10 Summer Programs for Middle School Students in Florida
- Trisha Malhotra
- 6 hours ago
- 8 min read
Summer break is a great time for middle school students in Florida to explore new subjects, build practical skills, and get early exposure to different careers and academic interests. These programs are designed to fit within your school vacation and can offer more than just classroom learning—they may include hands-on projects, mentorship, and guidance that helps you prepare for high school and beyond.
Many of the options below focus on areas like STEM, the arts, leadership, and environmental science, giving you the chance to discover what you enjoy and develop confidence in an advanced academic setting. Whether you're looking for a day camp at a local university or a specialized workshop in your community, these Florida-based summer programs can help you make the most of your time off.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve researched and curated a list of 10 summer programs for middle school students in Florida. We have focused on academically rigorous and credible programs that offer valuable networking opportunities and are either fully funded or offer generous financial support.Â
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â $2,400; need-based financial aid available
Application deadline: Varies according to cohort | The upcoming summer cohort’s applications are due on June 23
Program dates:Â 8-week summer cohorts start in June and July each year
Eligibility:Â Middle school students with a strong academic background
The Lumiere Junior Explorer is an eight-week virtual program for middle schoolers interested in learning how to conduct research. In this program, you work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to explore a topic of your choice and develop a research project on it. Your mentor will offer guidance at each step of the research process, from shaping your question to organizing your findings. Mentors come from universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale, and offer expertise and experience from a wide range of academic fields. Throughout the program, you will find opportunities to develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent work. By the end of the session, you will have a finished research project that reflects what you have learned.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â $1,990 | Need-based financial aid available
Application deadline: Varies according to cohort | The upcoming summer cohort’s applications close on June 22
Program dates:Â 25 hours over two weeks (weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
The AI Trailblazers by Veritas AI is an online program that introduces middle school students to the basics of AI and machine learning. Over the span of 25 hours, you will explore coding with Python, working with data, image classification, the functioning of neural networks, and the ethical aspects of AI. The program focuses on small-group instruction, offering a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. So, you can get personalized support throughout the program. During the program, you will also complete an individual project using what you learned in the program. For example, you can create a model that sorts music by genre or design a tool that suggests learning materials based on user input.
Location:Â University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: Around $495  – $550/camp. You can check out individual camp pages for more details.
Application deadline:Â Applications are accepted until camps are full
Program Dates:Â Five-day camps between June and July. The start and end dates vary based on the camp you choose.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
USF Middle School Camps offer a variety of in-person summer programs across different areas of interest, including STEM, arts, and technology. At the Archaeology + Art Camp, you will get to learn about historical artifacts through hands-on activities and explore creative expression through art projects. If you are interested in technology, the Cyber Camp introduces you to the basics of coding, cybersecurity, and ethical hacking through structured lessons and interactive exercises. The Robotics Camp offers you opportunities to design, build, and program robots while working on problem-solving and collaboration skills, guided by staff from the USF College of Engineering. If you are interested in visual media, the Photography Camp offers instruction on basics like camera use, composition, and storytelling, helping you develop both technical and creative skills. Each camp supports learning and exploration in a specific subject while encouraging collaboration with peers.
Location:Â Virtual via Zoom
Cost:Â Fully funded
Application deadline:Â June 23
Program dates: July 1 –  31
Eligibility:Â Middle school, high school, and recently enrolled undergraduate students
The Scientific Enrichment Month Program, run by YES in THE HEIGHTS at Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a no-cost online program. As a participant, you will get an introduction to the field of biomedical research, with a focus on cancer-related topics. Over four weeks, you will join 90-minute virtual sessions three times a week. These sessions cover subjects such as cancer disparities, the role of the environment in cancer risk, and how behavior can affect prevention. During the program, you will also take part in workshops that help you build practical skills like writing resumes and personal statements, preparing for interviews, and public speaking. The program is designed to help you learn more about health research while also gaining tools that can support your future academic and career interests.
Location: Multiple locations throughout Central Florida
Cost: No cost for middle school day camps at school sites. For camps at local YMCA centers, the cost is $250 for non-members and $200 for members.
Application deadline: Varies based on the type of camp
Program dates:Â Multiple week-long camps scheduled throughout the summer
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
Each summer, the Central Florida YMCA offers in-person camps designed to support both personal growth and continued learning for middle school students. At YMCA Family Centers, you will take part in a variety of structured daily activities and get access to facilities like swimming pools and recreational areas. These camps also offer families extended hours at the YMCA centers. YMCA camps are also held at local schools in Orange and Lake counties, where you can choose from different specialty tracks based on your interests. These camps allow you to focus on specific interests,  such as sports, arts, or academic enrichment , while working in a supportive group setting. Whether at a YMCA center or a nearby school, these programs encourage skill development and social interaction in a structured summer environment.
Location: Ransom Everglades School, Miami, FL
Cost: Session 1: $1,149 | Session 2: $1,099 | Session 3: $1,199
Application deadline: Applications are accepted until slots are full
Program dates: Session 1: June 16  –  27 | Session 2: June 30  – July 11 | Session 3: July 14  –  25
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
Explorers Academy, a part of Camp by the Bay, is a day camp designed for students in fifth through eighth grade. It combines traditional camp activities with options that reflect the interests of older campers. You can choose from a variety of electives, including academic enrichment, outdoor exploration, creative projects, and hands-on learning experiences like cooking, snorkeling, or drone use. Each day, you will engage in four activity rotations and attend group meetings. You will also engage in an off-site field trip during the session.Â
Programs are led by faculty from Ransom Everglades and focus on encouraging independence, collaboration, and curiosity. The camp’s flexible structure allows you to tailor your schedule to your interests. With only 80 spots available, Explorers Academy tries to combine a big camp-like environment with personalized summer camp experiences.
Location: University of Central Florida, Orange County, FL
Cost: $375
Application deadline: May 2
Program dates: July 21 – 25
Eligibility: Rising 6th and 7th-grade students
The Geo Explorer Summer Institute is a one-week program at the University of Central Florida for rising 6th- and 7th-grade students interested in geography and geospatial technology. During the program, you will engage in hands-on lab work, fieldwork, and group discussions focused on tools like virtual and augmented reality, mapping, and drone use. You will also work with UCF undergraduate and graduate students who will offer mentorship and guidance throughout the program. Other activities include interactive lectures, science communication sessions, and a visit to the UCF GeoBus. The program is designed to offer a practical experience working with new geospatial technologies in both classroom and outdoor settings.
Location: University of Central Florida, Orange County, FL
Cost: $200
Application deadline: Not specified, but applications open in March
Program dates: June 2 — 6
Eligibility: Rising 6th and 7th-grade students
GLAMPing is a week-long day camp for middle schoolers interested in exploring science, engineering, and leadership skills. During the program, you will explore several major engineering challenges identified by the National Science Foundation and learn how professionals in these fields work to address them. You will spend time in labs and makerspaces, engaging in hands-on activities designed to help you better understand engineering concepts and develop practical skills. In addition to technical learning, the camp offers sessions on leadership and self-confidence, giving you the chance to reflect on how these skills apply in STEM settings. The goal is to help you build both knowledge and personal skills that support your interest in science and engineering.
Location: Various Pinellas County Schools in Largo, FL
Cost: $75 per session or $25 per session for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals
Application deadline: Until slots are full
Program dates:Â Multiple camps in June and July
Eligibility: Middle and high school students | Each camp specifies grade levels
The PCS Summer Enrichment Camps offer a range of programs for middle school students interested in areas like STEM, journalism, construction, and the arts. For instance, in the Introduction to Journalism Camp, you will learn about the basics of news reporting, including how to conduct interviews, write headlines, and develop your own stories. You will also get experience with photography, video reporting, and producing a short news segment. You could also opt for the STEM Summer Innovation Camp, which is split into two themed weeks. During the first week, you will explore the connection between art and STEM through activities like 3D printing, creative electronics with Chibitronics, and projects in a makerspace setting. The second week focuses on energy and motion, where you will work with magnetic levitation, electrical circuits, solar power, and simple rocketry. These camps offer hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore different interests.
10. Seacamp Programs
Location: Seacamp, Big Pine Key, FL
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 10 and 17
SeaCamp offers 10- to 17-year-olds the opportunity to dive into marine science and water sports. Located in the Florida Keys, the camp offers a safe, well-equipped environment for learning and outdoor activities, all set against an oceanfront backdrop. The camp offers one- and two-week sessions focused on marine research and exploration as well as snorkeling and scuba diving skill development. In addition to these activities, you will get to participate in traditional camp programs such as sailing, lifesaving, windsurfing, photography, arts and crafts, and campcraft. Day camp sessions are available throughout the summer and during various holiday weeks.Â
Trisha Malhotra, an Ashoka University alumna, has 5 years of experience as a freelance writer and currently writes for Lumiere Education. She is passionate about music, reading, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as being a devoted cat parent.