15 Programs for Middle School Students in New York State
If you are a middle school student looking to explore new subjects or build practical skills outside of school, structured programs can be a great way to do just that. Many of these programs go beyond theory, allowing you to work on data, build practical research skills, design projects, and collaborate with peers. As a participant, you may also receive guidance from experienced instructors, university faculty, or industry professionals, gaining insights into how different fields work in academic or professional settings.
Why should you attend a program in New York State?
New York State is home to several well-known universities, cultural institutions, and educational organizations that offer academic programs for middle school students. These programs can give you access to experienced mentors, structured learning, and allow you to explore your interests and build skills. Whether you live in New York or are visiting from elsewhere, you can find programs that suit your interests and needs.
To make your search easier, here is a list of 15 programs for middle school students in New York State.
If you are looking for computer science programs in New York State, check out our blog here.
1. NYU’s Science of Smart Cities (SoSC)
Location: Andries Hudde Junior High - IS 240 or STAR Early College School in Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 8 – August 2 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application deadline: Typically, April/May; exact date TBA
Eligibility: Rising 7th- and 8th-grade students from NYC, ages 12 – 14
NYU’s SoSC allows you to explore how engineering, computer science, and environmental science work together to improve urban life. You will spend four weeks learning the basics of electronics, circuitry, coding, sensors, and microcontrollers. You will then use these tools to build team-based projects that address real-world challenges that cities face. As you move through the program, you will experiment with hardware, study how urban systems function, and develop a final presentation that demonstrates your project’s design and purpose. Alongside technical work, you will take part in Irondale sessions led by theater technical artists, where improv activities will help you strengthen communication and public-speaking skills.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort | 25 hours over two weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort; dates vary
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines; you can check details and apply here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that offers middle school students an introduction to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as explore topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. You will learn through lectures and group sessions following a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. You will also work on an AI-focused project. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
3. NYU’s Sounds of New York City (SONYC) Program
Location: Andries Hudde Junior High - IS 240 or STAR Early College School in Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 8 – August 4 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application deadline: April 14 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 7th- and 8th-grade students from NYC, ages 12 – 14
In NYU’s SONYC program, you will explore how sound affects daily life in urban environments and learn the science behind noise pollution. Through hands-on activities, you will sample real-world sound data, study sound waves, and build basic sound monitoring devices using microcontrollers and sensors. Each activity is designed to help you understand how scientists and engineers apply STEM concepts to community challenges, from analyzing noise levels to prototyping simple smart-city technologies. You will also participate in improv-based communication training led by theater teaching artists to boost your public speaking and presentation skills. The program concludes with an expo where you will present the devices and projects you have developed, gaining access to a structured way to share your work with others.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an opportunity for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. You will start by exploring four different subject areas within your chosen track, getting a broad introduction to the field before narrowing your focus. During the next few weeks, you will dive deeper into one specific topic and define your research question with guidance from your mentor, a scholar from universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, or Yale. The final part of the program involves you completing a research project that reflects your interests and the skills you have developed during the first few weeks.
5. NYU’s College and Career Lab (CCL)
Location: NYU, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~215 students
Program dates: Exploratory Program: July 6 – 31, with Saturday Practice Lab sessions once a month in the Fall (September, October, November) and Spring (January, February, March) semesters; program orientation: June 30
Application deadline: March 31; applications open on January 15.
Eligibility: Current 7th or 8th graders living in and attending a public or charter school in one of NYC’s five boroughs
NYU’s CCL program is a tuition-free, multi-year program that introduces you to college-level subjects and career pathways through summer workshops and year-round Practice Labs. As a middle schooler, you will join the Exploratory Stage, where you can rotate through subjects like business, law, arts, neuroscience, health sciences, and public service while participating in activities, small-group discussions, and introductory skill-building sessions. Upon completing this phase, you will join the Immersive Stage as a high schooler. Here, you will dive into an academic or professional area you explored earlier, engaging in college-style coursework, collaborative projects, and even site visits to clinics, labs, or industry spaces. You may also gain experience presenting research, working on media projects, building mobile apps, or participating in simulations, such as public health crisis response simulations. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship and guidance from NYC faculty and attend Saturday Practice Labs to develop self-advocacy, communication skills, and college- or career-readiness.
6. Columbia University’s State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 6 – 31 (Summer) | November 9 – May 17 (Academic Year)
Application deadline: Summer application window: February 1 – April 15 | Academic year application window: October 1 – November 1
Eligibility: New York State residents enrolled in grades 7–12; applicants must be economically disadvantaged and/or in need of, or would greatly benefit from, academic enrichment or support in the STEM areas (check income eligibility criteria here).
At Columbia University’s S-PREP program, you will explore the foundations of medicine and STEM through courses designed to strengthen your academic skills and prepare you for college-level study. The program, funded through New York State’s STEP initiative, is designed to offer structured guidance, academic support, and exposure to subjects that can shape your future endeavors. The program introduces you to subjects like Anatomy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Psychology, Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and other STEM subjects. You will also have access to PSAT and SAT preparation courses during the summer and academic year. You will gain insights into careers in medicine and STEM, as well as the steps you can take next.
7. The City College of New York (CCNY)’s Science Explorers Mini-Camp
Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: November 10, 17, 24, and December 1
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students
At CCNY’s Science Explorers Mini-Camp, you will spend four after-school sessions engaging in STEM activities alongside CCNY graduate students who are training to become science teachers. Each session focuses on projects designed to help you invent, build, and experiment, practicing creativity and problem-solving in a structured environment. You will also take part in team challenges to explore how science and technology connect to everyday life. The program emphasizes learning through hands-on activities, so you will test ideas, refine solutions, and share your findings with peers and mentors. Activities are designed to be accessible to different learning styles, offering support for English language learners and students with special needs.
8. Baruch STEP Academy
Location: Baruch College STEP Academy, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year; classes scheduled on select Saturdays during the Spring and Fall sessions and over four weeks during the Summer session
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 7–12 who meet the state-determined economic criteria and are residents of New York State; applicants must have good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 83 (B), and an 83 or above in math, science, and English courses.
At Baruch STEP Academy, you will take part in STEM-focused courses and workshops designed to strengthen your skills in math, science, and problem-solving while introducing you to careers in scientific, technical, and health-related fields. During the academic year program, you will spend Saturdays attending classes in subjects like algebra, chemistry, and test prep, followed by seminars and career-readiness activities that may include guest speaker sessions or college transition workshops. You will also engage in laboratory work, research projects, and field trips to science museums, research centers, and other NYC institutions. The four-week-long summer program allows you to dive into a single STEM subject and present what you’ve learned at a final showcase for faculty, family, and peers. During the program, you’ll meet community leaders and professionals who can offer insights to help you prepare for future STEM opportunities.
9. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Middle School Summer Workshops
Location: Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
Cost: $470; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 13 – 16
Application deadline: June 10; applications open on February 4
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9
FIT’s Middle School Summer Workshops give you the chance to explore creative fields through short, focused classes at FIT’s NYC campus. You can choose a morning workshop, an afternoon workshop, or pair both to create a full day of creative learning. Depending on the year’s summer offerings, you may study areas such as fashion design, illustration, sneaker design, photography, computer graphics, or other fields that FIT specializes in. You will work directly with instructors as you practice new techniques, experiment with materials, and create pieces you can add to your creative arts portfolio. The workshops also include sessions on the FIT admissions process. The program is designed to offer a clearer understanding of what it’s like to learn in an art and design college environment.
10. Stony Brook University’s Middle School Math Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $375
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students per program
Program dates: July 21 – 24
Application deadline: None; first-come, first-served registration
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–9; applicants for the 8th and 9th grade track must preferably be students taking a high school-level Algebra class in 8th grade or who have finished Algebra in 8th grade.
Stony Brook University’s Middle School Math Program offers a week of hands-on math learning to students entering grades 6–9, with separate tracks designed to match different levels of experience. In the 6th and 7th grade track, you will work through activities that apply math to real-world problems, covering topics such as introductory algebra, geometry, rational numbers, statistics, and probability. In the 8th and 9th grade program, you will explore linear, quadratic, and exponential functions through interactive projects that reinforce core Algebra skills. In either of the tracks, you will practice problem-solving, explore key math concepts, and take part in activities designed to prepare you for advanced coursework. The small-group setting allows you to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and focus closely on challenging topics.
11. Stony Brook University’s Science Exploration Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $675
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students/grade level
Program dates: June 30 – July 10 (tentative; subject to change)
Application deadline: Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9
At Stony Brook University’s Science Exploration Program, you will spend two weeks gaining exposure to university labs and exploring topics across biology, chemistry, physics, and the environmental sciences. If you are entering the 7th grade, you will practice fundamental lab skills through guided experiments in physics, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology. If you are entering the 8th grade, you will explore topics such as biotechnology, genetics, and environmental chemistry through case studies that connect lab concepts to real-world issues. Rising 9th graders typically focus on research-based activities in fields such as botany, microbiology, and molecular biology, developing hypotheses, testing ideas, and sharing results with classmates. The program is designed to help you collaborate with peers, explore how scientists approach problems, and prepare for high school science.
12. NYU Center for Mathematical Talent (CMT)’s Math Program for Young Minds: Spring Track
Location: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU, New York, NY
Cost: $1,250 + $50 application fee (fee waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: February 5 – May 7
Application deadline: December 15; applications open on November 15.
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 7 and 8 with an interest in mathematics
CMT’s Math Program for Young Minds is a 13-week in-person opportunity to explore mathematical ideas that go beyond the standard middle school curriculum. Each week during the program, you will attend a lecture led by NYU Courant faculty and a teaching assistant, working through topics such as number theory, topology, and geometry in an interactive classroom environment. You will work on building abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills through activities and group work designed to help you think about math in new ways. Additionally, you can join optional online weekly recitation sessions to review material and deepen your understanding. You will receive a certificate of completion and an official NYU transcript upon completing the program.
13. NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $100 for the Academic Year Programs; fee waivers available for economically eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: October 18 – May 2 (Academic Year Program); summer programs are also available
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 8–12 (students enrolled in the 7th grade can apply to the Academic year cycle) who are New York State residents and have a B average in Math, Science, and English; check detailed criteria here
NYU’s STEP is a state-funded enrichment initiative that supports New York State students in grades 7–12 through both academic-year and summer programming. You will take part in structured instruction in core subjects like math, science, and English, along with opportunities to build skills through supervised research training and practical lab experiences. During the academic year, you can work on subjects ranging from Algebra to Calculus while also participating in English seminars that strengthen writing and critical thinking skills. The program also includes college-focused support such as test preparation, admissions counseling, and career seminars. You will also gain insights into academic and professional pathways in STEM through structured coursework and practical exposure.
14. Science Alliance Middle School Program at the AMNH
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost: $1,000 each for the Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions | $4,500 for the four-week Summer Science Academy; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Multiple sessions throughout Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer | Summer Science Academy: Four weeks between May and August
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
At the AMNH’s Science Alliance Middle School Program, you will take part in after-school, weekend, or summer classes to explore topics like anthropology, astrophysics, conservation science, Earth science, and evolutionary biology. You will learn through activities, investigations, and discussions that connect scientific concepts to museum exhibits and real-world examples. During the school year, you can attend classes in the fall, winter, or spring, choosing between weekday after-school sessions or longer Saturday classes. In the summer, you can join a four-week Science Academy, where each week focuses on a different scientific discipline, such as animal behavior or evolution. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to meet museum scientists and work with like-minded middle schoolers.
15. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)’s Lang Science Program
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost: $0–$7,865/year based on family income and size; check details here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program dates: Six-year-long commitment, starting in 6th grade—Summer: July 20 – August 7 (dates may vary each year) + Academic year engagement: 15–18 Saturdays
Application deadline: January 5
Eligibility: NYC students who are currently in grade 6
The Lang Science Program at the AMNH is a six-year STEM program that introduces you to fields such as anthropology, geology, astrophysics, genetics, and conservation science through hands-on classes and museum-based exploration. As a middle school participant, you will spend three weeks each summer and select Saturdays during the school year learning at the AMNH, exploring the halls, collections, and lab spaces, and engaging in additional site visits to nearby forests, zoos, and research centers. You will work closely with educators and peers, building skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. In high school, the program focus shifts to college preparation, independent research interests, and opportunities to apply for paid internships. Over the course of six years, you will take part in workshops, field experiences, and community-building activities designed to help you practice scientific thinking in real-world settings.
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