14 Competitive STEM Programs for Middle School Students in New York
If you’re a middle school student interested in exploring STEM, there are several programs available that can help you get started. Often run by reputable organizations, these programs provide opportunities to explore various fields, including biology, physics, technology, and environmental science. You’ll also have a chance to build useful skills like problem-solving and critical thinking while working with researchers and professionals.
Numerous universities, labs, and non-profit organizations in New York host STEM programs for middle school students. In-state residents can potentially avoid the large costs of long-distance travel. You can explore various fields in STEM, such as physics, robotics, math, and so on. Participating in such a program can give you a clearer sense of what subjects interest you and help you make more informed choices about your high school activities.
We’ve compiled a list of 14 Competitive STEM programs for middle school students in New York that you might want to explore.
1. NYU – Sounds of New York City
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 29
Program Dates: July 8 – August 4
Eligibility: Students in New York City between 12 and 14 years old. Students should have a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in science
Sounds of New York City is a program hosted by NYU that engages middle and high school students in exploring the city’s soundscape through music, media, and technology. Participants learn about sound design, audio storytelling, and urban acoustic ecology in an interactive, multidisciplinary format. The course blends classroom lessons with practical projects, enabling students to produce original audio works inspired by the city environment. It encourages creativity while developing technical skills like recording, editing, and mixing sound. The experience seeks to provide insight into the role sound plays in urban life and encourages artistic expression.
2. Veritas AI's AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Various annual cohorts. Apply here!
Program Dates: AI Trailblazers — Runs for a total of 25 hours over 10 sessions | AI Junior Fellowship — 12 weeks
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Veritas AI, created by Harvard graduate students, offers two online programs focused on artificial intelligence for middle school students: the AI Trailblazers bootcamp and the AI Junior Fellowship. The AI Trailblazers program is designed for students who are new to the subject. It introduces the basics of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Python programming. You’ll also work on practical projects in areas such as healthcare, finance, and self-driving technology, with guidance from mentors affiliated with universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. If you already have some background in Python or have completed the bootcamp, the AI Junior Fellowship allows you to take your learning further. In this 12-week program, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor to develop a project or research paper related to AI.
3. Baruch College STEP Academy
Location: Baruch College, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Fall priority: September 1 | Regular: September 15
Program Dates: 10 consecutive Saturdays from October 4 – December 13
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in New York State. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 83 in math, science, and English, and meet specific economic or historical underrepresentation criteria.
Baruch’s STEP Academy is a New York State Education Department–funded pre-college program targeting students interested in STEM professions. Middle school students enroll in enrichment courses covering math, science, SAT preparation, and also attend research seminars and academic workshops. The program is offered on Saturdays in the fall, usually for 10 consecutive weeks. Eligibility focuses on students from underrepresented backgrounds and academic promise.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type
Application Deadline: Various deadlines
Program Dates: Year-round sessions
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 - 8
Lumiere’s Junior Explore Program is an 8-week virtual program that allows middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Throughout this program, students will get to explore four different topics in their selected track, dive deep into one topic area, define their project, and build the project with support from their mentor. The mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. The tracks offered in the STEM discipline include Mathematics, Engineering, AI and Data Science, and Physics and astrophysics, among others. Students do not require any prior experience to apply for any course in this program.
5. NYU – Science of Smart Cities (SoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 29
Program Dates: July 8 — August 4
Eligibility: Students in New York City between 12 and 14 years old. Students should have a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in science
The Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) is a free, four-week summer residential program offered by NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering for middle school students in New York City. The program introduces topics in engineering, computer science, and technology, with a focus on how these fields can contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable urban environments. During the program, you’ll work with tools like sensors, electronics, and basic coding to explore how technology can be used to solve practical problems in cities. You’ll also take part in group projects that address specific urban challenges. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work to others, explaining how your project relates to city planning or sustainability.
6. Le Moyne College Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Location: Syracuse, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Year-round sessions
Eligibility: Students in 7th – 12th grade in New York State (historically underrepresented, economically disadvantaged)
STEP is a state-backed initiative designed to strengthen college readiness in science and technology fields for underrepresented and low-income youth. The program provides academic enrichment, mentoring, laboratory experience, and research opportunities. Middle school participants develop foundational skills and prepare for advanced study in high school. Activities include STEM workshops, field trips, and academic competitions. Enrollment typically involves a coordination process through local schools, with specific eligibility requirements in place. Support continues into high school for ongoing development.
7. Stony Brook University Middle School Engineering Academy
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $500
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Program Dates: July 14 – 18
Eligibility: Students currently in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade
This summer program introduces middle school students to the basics of engineering through hands-on, experiential activities. Participants explore four main engineering fields: electrical, biomedical, mechanical, and civil engineering. The academy offers interactive lab experiences designed to foster exploration and a deeper understanding of engineering concepts. Sessions allow students to engage in both group and individual projects in a real college lab setting. The program enrolls a maximum of 35 students per session to maintain a focused learning environment.
8. City College of New York STEM Institute NYC – Summer Courses
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 25
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: Grades 6–12
STEM Institute NYC offers a variety of summer courses for middle and high school students, with tracks in robotics, game programming, coding, architecture, rocketry, chemistry, AI, and more. Courses are led by experienced teachers focusing on real-world projects and problem-solving. The program values collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning. Students may enroll in one or several classes, each designed for a specific grade level. Options are available in-person and virtually, with topics designed to build skills in STEM fields.
9. Tip-Top Brain Academic Summer Camp
Location: Astoria, Queens, NY
Cost: Not listed
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: Weekly sessions in the summer
Eligibility: Grades 6–8
Tip-Top Brain offers STEAM-based academic summer camps that combine hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and baking with ELA and math skill-building. The camp’s structure includes daily academic enrichment, movement breaks, outdoor activities, and collaborative projects. Small group sizes allow for individualized attention, and instructors provide ongoing progress updates to parents. Campers engage in varied themes each week, tailoring content to middle school levels. Recreational breaks and local outings are included.
10. Manhattan College Science & Engineering Camp
Location: Manhattan College, New York, NY
Cost: 5 weeks: $565/week | 3–4 weeks: $589/week |1–2 weeks: $599/week
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: Grades 5–7
This five-week summer camp at Manhattan College introduces campers to five major engineering fields: mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and environmental. Each week features a different discipline, with projects designed to introduce students to core engineering concepts, teamwork, and problem-solving. Campers have access to Manhattan College's campus facilities, labs, and opportunities for meetings with engineering alumni and faculty. The program is designed to support young students in exploring engineering as a possible academic or career path.
11. Adelphi University Middle School Robotics Program
Location: Adelphi University, New York State (various locations)
Cost: Not listed. More info here
Application Deadline: Not listed. More info here
Program Dates: After school and Saturdays; competition schedules vary
Eligibility: Grades 7–12, economically disadvantaged or underrepresented students
Adelphi offers a robotics program that engages middle school students in hands-on learning using LEGO and VEX Robotics kits. The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills through participation in local, statewide, and national robotics competitions. Middle schoolers participate specifically in LEGO Robotics challenges that involve design, programming, and driving skills. The program supports academic enrichment for students from underrepresented communities and low-income households. Sessions include both instructional time and competitive events to sharpen skills.
12. State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) – Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Location: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies depending on session
Program Dates: Summer Session: July 1 – 31 | Academic Year Session: Saturdays from October – May. The academic year session notably accepts 7th-grade students, allowing early exposure to STEM.
Eligibility: 7th–12th grade students
The S-PREP program is a free, rigorous academic enrichment initiative that focuses on preparing middle and high school students for success in college and careers in medicine, STEM fields, and licensed professions. The program offers core science and math courses, including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Brain & Cognitive Science, and math courses ranging from Algebra to Calculus and Statistics. PSAT and SAT preparation courses are included in summer and academic year sessions, respectively. Students admitted to S-PREP may apply for related summer research internships, including the BRAINYAC neuroscience apprenticeship and YES in THE HEIGHTS cancer research internship. The program also provides college readiness workshops, academic counseling, field trips, and college tours.
13. University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Camps
Location: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Cost: Varies by camp. More info here
Application Deadline: Varies by camp. More info here
Program Dates: Various sessions throughout summer
Eligibility: Grades 6–12
The University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers multiple summer camps aimed at middle and high school students to stimulate interest in STEM fields. The camps focus on hands-on learning through engineering, technology, and science projects tailored to different age groups, including middle school students. Activities typically cover robotics, coding, engineering design, and applied sciences, encouraging curiosity and problem-solving skills.
14. Science Exploration Program – Stony Brook Institute for STEM Education (I-STEM)
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $675 (non-refundable)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: June 30 – July 10
Eligibility: Students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade
This academic summer program provides laboratory-based learning for middle school students, complementing their school science curriculum. The programs emphasize scientific inquiry with hands-on experiments, research, writing, and group collaboration. Seventh graders focus on developing foundational laboratory skills across physics, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology. Each grade level is instructed by specialized educators, ensuring tailored experiences. The program aims to strengthen participants’ preparation for future high school science coursework, enrolling a maximum of 24 students per grade level.
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