15 Programs for Middle School Students in Los Angeles, California
If you’re a middle school student hoping to explore your interests beyond what you learn in the classroom, joining a summer program can be an exciting way to do it. These programs allow you to explore new subjects, work on projects, and build communication and critical-thinking skills. They offer valuable learning experiences that can help you grow academically and allow you to collaborate with experienced mentors.
Why should you attend a program in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, universities and organizations such as USC and the California Science Center host a variety of opportunities for middle schoolers. From math and coding to music and public speaking, these programs cover various subjects and encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration with other students who share your passion. Whether you’re a local or traveling to the city, you can find a program that suits your needs and lets you explore your academic interests.
To help with your search, here is a list of 15 Programs for middle school students in Los Angeles.
If you are looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
1. Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Summer Program
Location: Cal State, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications open at April end/early May
Dates: 3 weeks in the summer + one-day workshops in fall and spring
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Summer program is aimed at middle school students from under-resourced communities who are interested in STEM subjects. You work on activities in areas such as coding, robotics, 3D printing, AR/VR, and design thinking. The program includes hands-on exercises that focus on problem-solving and introduce you to potential careers in technology by connecting you with professionals in the field.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Up to 100% financial aid offered
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort. You can apply here
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Eligibility: 6th-8th graders
The AI Trailblazers program from Veritas AI is an online course that introduces you to key ideas in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over about 25 hours of instruction, you work with basic Python programming and learn concepts such as data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and considerations related to AI ethics. The program includes lectures and small-group sessions, with mentors who work closely with you and a few other students. Past participants have completed projects such as building a model that sorts songs by genre or creating an algorithm that recommends educational resources based on chosen criteria.
3. Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) Summer Programs
Location: All LAUSD school sites; in-person and online programs available
Cost: Free of cost
Application deadline: Open enrollment; registrations begin April 9
Dates: June 17 — July 16 (tentatively)
Eligibility: All LAUSD students in grades K-12, including 6th–8th graders
LAUSD’s Summer of Learning programs provide middle and high school students with academic and enrichment options at no cost. On your school campus, you can focus on strengthening math and English skills or participate in the Beyond the Bell program, which offers small-group activities that blend academics with physical, creative, and social-emotional learning. If you prefer to learn online, the Virtual Enrichment Program includes live classes in subjects such as guitar, game design, animation, dance, music, world languages, and STEM. Incoming sixth-graders also have the option to attend Summer Bridge sessions, which help them get used to a new school environment, meet staff, and learn about daily expectations. Throughout the program, you take part in discussions, mindfulness activities, and group work that support social-emotional development.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Up to 100% financial aid offered
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (varies based on cohort). You can apply here
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP) is an eight-week research experience for middle school students interested in exploring different academic fields. In the program, you work individually with a PhD mentor from universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, or Yale to develop a research project aligned with your interests. The structure centers on independent work, analytical thinking, and project-based learning in both STEM and humanities areas. Your final project can also serve as preparation for academic competitions or future research opportunities.
5. Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp at USC
Location: University of Southern California (USC) main campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: May 5 (tentatively)
Dates: July 14 — July 25 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 8th graders with at least a B grade average in science and math
The Summer Engineering Camp introduces middle school students to different areas of engineering and basic coding. During the program, you work with Northrop Grumman engineers and USC faculty on hands-on projects related to circuitry, aircraft design, structural modeling, environmental systems, mechanical fabrication, and simple app development. These activities give you exposure to fields such as aerospace, electrical, mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering. You also participate in daily workshops covering core engineering and coding concepts and visit university research spaces to see how these ideas are used in practice. The camp concludes with a group design presentation, where you share your project and receive feedback from professionals in the field.
6. After-School All-Stars — Los Angeles Summer Programs
Location: School and community sites throughout LA
Cost: Free of cost
Application deadline: Varies by location; you can check the local ASAS chapter’s website for details, or check with your school
Dates: Typically June — August; exact schedules vary by site. Check the local ASAS chapter’s website for details, or check with your school
Eligibility: Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Title I middle schools (where 50% or more students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch under the federal program)
After-School All-Stars offers summer programs for middle school students in Los Angeles that cover five main areas: STEM, visual and performing arts, health and wellness, career exploration, and academic support. You join a small group at a nearby school or community site and take part in daily activities that may include coding, robotics, filmmaking, dance, sports, mindfulness exercises, or career discussions with local professionals. The program uses a hands-on, project-focused approach and incorporates social-emotional learning throughout. You work with classmates, receive guidance from instructors, and complete a final project that reflects what you practiced over the summer.
7. Girls in STEM Teen Club
Location: La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free with museum admission
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 7 and 8
The Girls in STEM Teen Club at the La Brea Tar Pits, part of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, is a five-day program focused on STEM learning. Over 20 hours, you work alongside museum staff to explore how exhibits are developed and the decision-making behind them. You learn about the La Brea Tar Pits excavation sites, practice fossil repair techniques using terracotta pots in the Fossil Lab, and examine a fossil matrix to identify microfossils. The program provides hands-on experience with both scientific methods and museum practices.
8. BEAM Discovery & Pathway Programs
Location: Various locations in NYC and LA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February — March
Dates: Varies by program and location
Eligibility: 6th-7th graders from underserved communities and low-income backgrounds
Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) is a multi-year program for middle school students from underserved communities who want to deepen their understanding of mathematics. After completing 6th grade, you begin with BEAM Discovery, a five-week summer day program. The following year, you may attend BEAM Summer Away, a three-week residential program. Throughout the program, mentors guide you as you explore mathematical concepts beyond the standard school curriculum. You’ll receive additional support for high school and college preparation, including weekend classes, individualized guidance on high school selection, summer opportunities, and advice on college admissions.
9. Pasadena City College Math Academy for Middle School Students
Location: PCC Community Education Center in Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: May 4–31
Dates: June 22 — July 31
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th-grade students
The Math Academy for Middle School Students at Pasadena City College offers a selection of noncredit math courses for students who want to strengthen their skills. You can choose from options such as Math Basics, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B, and Geometry. Coursework and testing requirements differ by class. The program is intended to help you prepare for high school–level math. At the end, you receive a letter grade, and attending sessions on campus gives you a chance to experience a college setting and meet other students.
10. Lavner Education’s UCLA Camp Tech Revolution
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Varies depending on the camp you apply for. There is an annual registration fee of $79
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: June 15 — August 21
Eligibility: Students aged 6–16 years
At Camp Tech Revolution at UCLA, you attend week-long STEM sessions that cover subjects such as robotics, coding, game design, and artificial intelligence. You focus on one topic per week and work on hands-on projects to develop practical skills. The program includes more than 60 tech-focused camps, with instructors supporting small groups of campers, typically at a ratio of 1:4 to 1:8. The curriculum is designed for a range of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced learners, so you can progress at your own pace. In addition to academics, the camp includes outdoor activities, themed events, and opportunities to present your projects at the end of each session.
11. Inner-City Arts Summer Institute
Location: Inner-City Arts campus, Downtown LA, CA
Cost: $20 registration fee + $250 tuition; full fee waivers available for students from qualifying families
Application deadline: TBA
Dates: February 14 — May 2
Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th graders from LA schools
Inner-City Arts offers two-week Summer Institutes for middle and high school students, centered on visual, media, and performing arts. You choose a workshop in areas such as ceramics, rock band, digital media, screenwriting, or theatre, and work with professional teaching artists in a small group of 15–20 students. During the program, you participate in mid-session presentations and a final “open studio,” where you share your work with peers, instructors, and family. You also receive individual guidance on developing a portfolio and exploring potential careers in the arts. The program provides an opportunity to build skills, connect with others in creative fields, and learn more about pathways in the arts.
12. Model UN Institute Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $1,250 — $2,849
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: July 19 — July 25 (Overnight camp); July 20 — July 24 (Day camp)
Eligibility: Ages 11–13 by the start of the program
The Model UN Institute Summer Camp in Los Angeles provides middle school students with an introduction to public speaking, international relations, and diplomatic debate. You take part in interactive lessons that focus on writing speeches, negotiating, and building consensus. The curriculum includes activities such as debating in different settings, improvisation exercises, and drafting UN-style resolutions. During the program, you join three Model UN simulations, each centered on a specific country and topic. Mentors offer individualized feedback to help you improve your communication and debate skills throughout the camp.
13. California Science Center: Hands-On Science Camp
Location: California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Half-Day: $230; Full Day: $460 (Up to 100% scholarships available)
Application Deadline: General enrollment opens on February 26 (tentatively)
Dates: Multiple 1-week camps from June 16 — August 8 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Middle school students
The California Science Center offers the Hands-On Science Camp at the Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation. Middle school students can attend half-day or full-day sessions during the seven-week summer program. You can choose classes such as ‘Chemical Meltdown’, where you explore reactions between different substances, or ‘All Cooked Up!’, which uses kitchen experiments to demonstrate chemistry principles. You also spend time in the Science Center’s Big Lab, a space for larger experiments in physics, engineering, and other areas. Camps are led by trained educators and industry professionals, and your schedule typically includes live demonstrations and opportunities to interact with the center’s exhibits.
14. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free of cost
Application deadline: March 20 (tentatively)
Dates: Summer session: July 7 — July 25, Weekly fall semester meetings: August 27 — December 10 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students entering 6th and 7th grades who are U.S. citizens; priority given to applicants from low-income households
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program offers educational and career preparation opportunities for middle school students. You start with a three-week online course focused on advanced math, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. From late August through December, you take part in weekly virtual seminars to continue building on what you learned during the summer. The program also includes sessions on writing, research, and group projects to help you develop critical thinking and communication skills. Throughout the program, you receive guidance from Stanford instructors and have the opportunity to connect with peers from across the country as you prepare for high school.
15. Kode With Klossy’s Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free of cost
Application deadline: Not specified, typically by the end of March
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Eligibility: Women and gender-expansive youth between the ages of 13 and 18
Kode With Klossy runs coding camps for students from underrepresented genders in STEM. You can select from four tracks: Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, or Data Science. No previous coding experience is required. The program provides hands-on practice with programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Swift. Through project-based activities, you apply coding skills to complete practical tasks. By the end of the camp, you will have a portfolio that includes projects like websites, mobile apps, data analyses, or simple machine learning models.
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