15 Chicago Summer Programs for Middle School Students
If you are a middle school student in Chicago interested in exploring your interests or developing skills over the summer, then summer programs are a practical option that offer hands-on learning while connecting you with experts, mentors, and peers. These programs strengthen your academic foundation and help you discover what subjects interest you most, whether it's coding, biology, design, or environmental science.
In a city like Chicago, many universities and organizations provide competitive opportunities in various fields, ranging from STEM to the arts. Summer programs for middle schoolers in Chicago offer varied ways to learn, experiment, and grow. These experiences can also help you build confidence.
We've narrowed down 15 of the top summer options available in Chicago for middle school students, including both in-person and online programs.
15 Chicago Summer Programs for Middle School Students
1. University of Chicago: Summer Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: University of Chicago campus
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: 7th through 12th graders in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs
The Young Scholars Program at the University of Chicago is designed for students who enjoy digging into challenging math problems and want to understand how mathematicians think. If you’re curious about topics like number theory or geometry, this four-week day camp might be a strong fit. Each day includes lectures from university faculty, small-group problem-solving sessions with college students, and plenty of time to explore ideas on your own or with others. You’ll also spend time in the computer lab working on math-based research projects. While the program is selective, it welcomes students who are enthusiastic about math—especially those who’ve done well in school or participated in competitions.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program; Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a week; Two weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
If you are curious about artificial intelligence but new to programming, this online program gives you the tools to start learning in a supportive, small-group setting. You'll be introduced to key AI topics like data classification and image recognition, and by the end, you’ll have developed your own project using Python—possibly something connected to music, the environment, or a hobby you care about. Sessions are kept small with about five students per mentor, so your questions won’t get lost in the crowd. The curriculum is hands-on, meaning you’ll be doing more than just watching lectures; you’ll be building, testing, and troubleshooting code yourself.
3. Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD): Summer Programs
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: Varies by camp; Financial aid available
Dates: 1- and 3-week sessions in June – August
Application Deadline: One week before the session start date
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 (varies with each course)
If you are looking for a way to challenge yourself academically this summer, CTD’s day and residential programs might be a good fit. Courses take place on Northwestern University’s campus or online, and cover everything from writing and science to technology and leadership. These classes move quickly and go deeper than typical school subjects, giving you a chance to tackle advanced topics or build something original like an app, a short story portfolio, or a public service project. You'll be learning alongside students from across the country and supported by teachers who are experts in their field. Residential students stay in dorms and take part in group activities that promote independence and community.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program; Need-based financial assistance is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer sessions that begin in June/July
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for each cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students
If you're interested in diving deeper into a subject you love, the Lumiere Junior Explorer Program matches you with a mentor from a top university like Harvard or Stanford to help you research and build your own independent project. Over several weeks, you'll meet one-on-one with your mentor to brainstorm ideas, gather information, and work through challenges step by step. Past students have created projects on topics like climate science, computer programming, or even ancient history. The final product is a research or creative piece you present at the end of the program. You’ll also improve your research and critical thinking skills along the way.
5. UChicago Laboratory Schools Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Cost: $350 to $795 per session/course (financial aid available)
Dates: June – August (varies by program)
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
At Summer Lab, you'll have the chance to dive into hands-on learning through a wide mix of classes, from robotics and AI to photography, ceramics, and even basketball. Taking place on the University of Chicago campus, the program encourages both creativity and collaboration in a relaxed yet structured environment. The class sizes are small, so you’ll get more one-on-one time with instructors while exploring new subjects or building on existing interests. You might find yourself working on a group coding project in the morning and then practicing theater or experimenting in a science lab in the afternoon. Leadership activities and local field trips are integrated into the schedule, providing a balanced mix of fun and learning.
6. The Chicago Academy For The Arts – Middle School Summer Program
Location: The Chicago Academy for the Arts
Cost: $995; Seasonal discounts offered
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: Registration opens in December
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7-8
At the Chicago Academy for the Arts’ summer program, you’ll spend two weeks immersed in the creative process alongside artists and instructors who work professionally in their fields. Whether you’re interested in dance, music, theater, visual art, or media, each track offers hands-on training through workshops, rehearsals, and project-based assignments. You might choreograph a dance, produce an animation, record a song in a professional studio, or act in a modern retelling of a Greek play. The experience ends with a showcase for family and friends, where you can present what you've created. Classes are led by working professionals from well-known companies and schools, so you’ll get a real sense of what it’s like to build your craft in a focused environment.
7. Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology
Cost: Varies by program
Dates: June (varies by program)
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Through Illinois Tech’s Elevate College Prep programs, you can join a range of academic summer experiences designed for students who enjoy a challenge. The program includes both in-person and online courses, covering topics like coding, engineering, business, and more. Most sessions involve project-based learning, so you’re actively working with peers and instructors to apply what you learn. The in-person camps are held on Illinois Tech’s main campus, giving you access to real lab spaces and tech facilities. Online options are also available if you’re looking for flexibility while still engaging deeply with the material.
8. Chicago Botanic Garden Science First Program
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 4 weeks in June – August
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Chicago Public School students entering grades 7-8
Science First gives you the chance to study nature and science over three weeks in a hands-on learning environment at the Chicago Botanic Garden. You’ll take part in experiments, go on nature walks, and try activities like kayaking or building an aquaponics system. The program focuses on environmental science, so you’ll learn about ecosystems, plant biology, and sustainability in a way that’s active and outdoors. Lunch is included daily, and each Friday features a field trip to explore nearby nature areas or science centers. It’s a chance to learn science by doing, not just reading, while connecting with other students who share your interest in the natural world.
9. MathCON Summer Camp
Location: Loyola Water Tower Campus
Cost: $2,450 (with housing) | $2,150 (without housing)
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: MathCON students from grades 7-12
MathCON Summer Camp is built for middle school students who are excited by math challenges and want to engage with the subject in new ways. Held at Loyola University Chicago, this week-long camp covers topics like number theory, algebra, combinatorics, and geometry through puzzles, team activities, and guided instruction. You’ll be taught by experienced instructors and have access to one-on-one support throughout the week. There’s also time set aside for fun outings, including a boat cruise and group games, so you’re not just studying all day. Meals and housing are included for those staying on campus.
10. SAIC Middle School Summer Camps
Location: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $1,260
Dates: July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Middle school students
At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), you’ll get to focus on creating in ways that go beyond what most school art classes offer. These two-week camps let you dig into topics like animation, toy design, video production, comics, or architecture, all with the guidance of practicing artists and designers. Classes are small, which means you’ll get feedback and support as you develop your ideas and bring them to life. Your projects will be inspired by visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and taught in real studios where SAIC college students work. The experience is collaborative, and it’s also a great way to meet others your age who are into the same things you are.
11. Science and Arts Academy Summer Programs
Location: Science and Arts Academy (Chicago metropolitan area)
Cost: $540 – $1,150
Dates: June – August (sessions vary from one to multiple weeks)
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
Science and Arts Academy’s Summer Adventures program lets you design a schedule that fits your interests, with classes in science, math, technology, art, and even theater. The camp is structured in two-week sessions, and you can attend either a half-day of academic enrichment or a full day that includes afternoon recreation and games. During the morning, you’ll take three classes of your choice, which could include topics like robotics, digital art, or creative writing. In the afternoon, counselors lead small group activities that are fun, team-oriented, and low-pressure.
12. MIT RAISE’s Creativity and AI Workshop
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Dates: Self-paced program, takes place over 10 hours
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: Upper elementary and middle school students
This free online workshop from MIT RAISE focuses on helping you understand how artificial intelligence can be used to create original works of art and music. You’ll learn about creative machine learning techniques and tools like GANs (programs that can generate new images or sounds) while exploring how AI can work as a partner in your creative process. Activities include both digital exercises and unplugged projects that interactively teach core concepts. You can also explore other modules on conversational AI or ethical tech through the same platform.
13. Girls Who Code Clubs
Location: Remote and in-person options available across various locations
Cost: Free
Dates: Ongoing throughout the school year; clubs typically meet 1-2 hours per week after school or on weekends
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Clubs are open to all middle school students
Girls Who Code Clubs lets you study coding and computer science in a flexible environment that you can join during the summer or school year. These clubs are free regardless of experience level, and they often meet at schools, libraries, or community centers, or online. You’ll have access to video tutorials and a project-based curriculum that lets you choose your path, whether it’s game design, web development, or AI. Club members work at their own pace, and there’s always support from instructors and peers who want to see you succeed. Along the way, you’ll get to build projects that reflect real-world problems or personal interests, helping you understand how code can be used creatively and meaningfully. The program also emphasizes community and mentorship, connecting you with role models in the tech industry.
14. Sally Ride Science Academy at the University of California, San Diego
Location: Virtual
Cost: $275 – $320
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: All middle school students
At the Sally Ride Science Academy, you’ll spend a week exploring topics like robotics, marine biology, VR design, or space science through project-based workshops. Each course is led by expert instructors and includes stories about scientists—especially women—who have made contributions to the field. You might use Raspberry Pi to build circuits, design games, or analyze environmental data, depending on the workshop you choose. The middle school sessions are hands-on and built around learning by doing, with activities that make abstract concepts easier to grasp.
15. Berkeley Coding Academy’s Summer Academy
Location: Online
Cost: $2,089 – $4,897; Limited scholarships are available
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students aged 12-18
In this virtual program, you’ll spend three weeks building your skills in Python, data science, and artificial intelligence through interactive lessons and group projects. Designed for students who are ready to go beyond the basics, Berkeley Coding Academy introduces you to tools like pandas, matplotlib, and seaborn as you create your own visualizations and train machine learning models. Each student joins a small cohort based on age and experience, so you’re grouped with peers who are learning at a similar pace. You’ll wrap up the program with a completed AI project and a portfolio of work you can share. The program also includes 1-on-1 support from mentors to help troubleshoot code and deepen your understanding.