15 Free Programs for Middle School Students in New York State
Programs can be a useful way for you to start exploring different subjects in middle school while building skills in a structured environment. They give you the opportunity to learn topics like STEM, coding, or the humanities through guided activities, projects, and group work. Many of these programs are free, making it easier for you to access new learning experiences and develop your interests early.
Why should you attend a program in New York State?
New York State offers a mix of academic programs led by universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations that actively work with younger students. Within these programs, you might design technology to address urban challenges, build coding projects, explore advanced math concepts, or experiment with scientific concepts through project work. Many also include group projects, presentations, and mentorship, so you develop both subject knowledge and practical skills, such as communication and collaboration.
To help you navigate what’s available, we’ve narrowed down 15 free programs for middle school students in New York State.
If you’re looking for online math programs, check out our blog here.
1. NYU Sounds of New York City (SONYC)
Location: Andries Hudde Magnet School of STEAM, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC students in grades 6–7
At NYU Sounds of New York City, you explore how sound affects everyday life in a city environment by investigating noise as both a scientific and public health issue. You work with sensors, microcontrollers, and basic electronics to build devices that measure sound levels in real-world settings. Along the way, you study sound waves and collect data from local neighborhoods to understand how noise impacts communities. The program blends technical learning with creative expression through theater-based workshops that strengthen communication skills. As you progress, you begin connecting your findings to broader environmental and urban challenges. The experience concludes with a showcase in which you present a smart-city solution informed by your research.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (rolling). You can apply here
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
In Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers, you build a foundation in artificial intelligence through guided lessons and hands-on projects. Students learn to code in Python and explore concepts such as data analysis, image classification, and how machine learning models make decisions. Small-group sessions with mentors allow you to ask questions and refine your ideas as you work. Projects often involve applying AI to real-world scenarios, such as recommendation systems and pattern recognition. Discussions about ethics encourage you to consider how AI affects people and communities. By the end, you complete a project that reflects both your technical understanding and your ability to apply these tools.
3. NYU’s Science of Smart Cities (SoSC)
Location: Andries Hudde Magnet School of STEAM, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC students in grades 6–7
This free program for middle school students in New York State introduces you to how technology can improve urban life through engineering and design. You experiment with electronics, sensors, and coding to build systems that address challenges such as energy use and transportation. Working in teams, you develop and prototype solutions that respond to real-world city problems. The program also integrates communication training through public speaking and improv sessions. You present your final design at a showcase, demonstrating how your solution could contribute to a more sustainable city.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for each cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6-8
Lumiere Education’s Junior Explorer Program lets you explore an academic topic of your choice through one-on-one mentorship with a researcher. Early sessions introduce different subject areas, helping you identify a question you want to investigate further. You meet regularly with your mentor to learn research methods, analyze sources, and structure your ideas. As the program progresses, you begin shaping an independent project based on your interests. The format allows you to move at your own pace while receiving consistent guidance. By the end, you will have completed a research paper or presentation that reflects your work and understanding.
5. Baruch College STEP Academy
Location: Baruch College, New York, NY
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 31
Application Deadline: Priority: May 1 | Regular: May 15
Eligibility: NY residents in grades 7–12 with a minimum GPA of 83 overall and an 83 or above in math, science, and English courses; More details here
At Baruch College STEP Academy, you focus on a specific STEM subject through structured coursework and hands-on learning. Participants attend classes that go deeper than typical school material, supported by labs and interactive activities. The program also includes workshops on test preparation, college readiness, and career exploration. Guest speakers and faculty sessions introduce you to different STEM pathways. Throughout this free program for middle school students in New York State, you build both academic skills and confidence as you tackle challenging topics.
6. NYU College and Career Lab
Location: NYU's Washington Square campus, West Village, NY
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current 7th or 8th graders attending a New York City public school can apply to the Exploratory Stage
The NYU College and Career Lab helps you explore different academic fields while gradually preparing for college and future career pathways. You attend classes and workshops led by university faculty in subjects like neuroscience, law, and public health, giving you early exposure to college-style learning. Field trips and guest sessions introduce you to professionals and show how these subjects connect to real careers. Over time, you also take part in sessions that build practical skills such as networking, resume writing, and interview preparation. Because the program continues across multiple years, you gain a clearer sense of your academic strengths and the paths you may want to pursue later on.
7. Columbia University: State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer: July | Academic Year: November – May
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: 7th-12th graders interested in pursuing a career in medicine or related STEM fields; Should maintain an 80% grade average in math and science; More details here
Through this free program for middle school students in New York State by Columbia University, you strengthen your foundation in math and science while exploring potential careers in STEM and healthcare. You take classes in subjects such as anatomy, chemistry, or algebra, depending on your level and interests. The program also includes workshops focused on college readiness and career planning. Counseling and advising sessions help you think about long-term academic goals. As you continue in the program, you may access additional opportunities, such as research experiences.
8. The CCNY STEM Institute – The City College of New York
Location: CCNY campus
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: July 7 – August 7 (tentative, based on last year’s cohort)
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 who reside or attend school within the five boroughs of New York City
At the City College of New York STEM Institute, you engage with STEM topics through project-based courses in areas such as robotics, game design, and chemistry. Each class combines instruction with hands-on assignments that help you connect academic concepts to practical applications. Instructors and teaching assistants are available throughout the program, so you receive support as you work through experiments, research tasks, and group activities. You also collaborate with peers to build solutions, test ideas, or complete projects tied to the course theme. The mix of topics encourages exploration across both technical and creative fields.
9. BEAM Pathway Summer Program
Location: Upstate New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 27
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: New York City 7th graders from underserved communities and low-income backgrounds
The Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics immerses you in advanced math through daily problem-solving sessions, challenging classes, and collaborative learning. You explore topics beyond the standard school curriculum, including areas like number theory and logic, in an environment designed for students who enjoy mathematical thinking. Living on a college campus adds another layer to the experience, giving you a sense of both academic structure and residential community. Faculty and counselors guide you through difficult material while also supporting your day-to-day experience outside the classroom. Beyond math, you participate in recreational activities, campus events, and group outings that help make the program feel balanced.
10. NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Location: NYU Washington Square Campus, New York, NY
Cost: $350; Fee Waivers available for eligible students
Dates: June 30 – July 30
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: New York State residents with a B average in Math, Science, and English; Must meet income criteria and be enrolled in grades 8–12
In NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program, you build long-term academic skills through coursework in math, science, and communication. Classes are paired with workshops focused on college readiness and career exploration, and as you progress, you may also take part in supervised research activities that introduce you to scientific methods and structured inquiry. The free program for middle school students in New York State also covers test preparation and additional skill-building sessions designed to support academic success across school settings. Working with instructors and peers in a structured environment helps you stay engaged while developing stronger study habits.
11. Bard Math CAMP
Location: Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Cost: $550; Need-based scholarships are available
Dates: August 3 – 7
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-8 who love math
At Bard College’s Math CAMP, you explore mathematical ideas through puzzles, discussions, and collaborative problem-solving in a setting that encourages curiosity. Topics often extend beyond the standard curriculum, pushing you to think more creatively about concepts such as logic, patterns, and mathematical structure. Classes are centered on experimentation and teamwork, so you spend more time testing ideas and explaining your reasoning. You work closely with instructors and peers to refine solutions, compare approaches, and tackle unfamiliar problems. Activities also connect math to areas like art and computer science, helping you see the subject from different angles.
12. 4-H Programs
Location: Various locations nationwide
Cost: Typically low or no cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; club sizes vary by county
Dates: Available year-round
Application deadline: Rolling (sign up at your local 4-H office)
Eligibility: Students ages 8–18
Through 4-H, you participate in hands-on projects that span areas like STEM, agriculture, healthy living, and community leadership. You join a local club where meetings focus on building, experimenting, and learning through doing. Projects can range from robotics and environmental science to public speaking, design, or animal science, depending on your interests and local offerings. Mentors and volunteers guide you as you develop skills, work through challenges, and complete long-term projects over time. Many activities also help you build communication and leadership skills alongside technical knowledge. You may then present your work at community events, fairs, or demonstrations.
13. Women’s Alliance in STEM and Humanities Summer Research Institute
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Weekly sessions from June 22 to July 27
Application Deadline: May 21
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-11
In this free online program for middle school students in New York State, you explore advanced topics through guided online seminars, discussions, and interactive academic sessions. Courses focus on specialized areas such as machine learning, neuroscience, or number theory, giving you access to subjects that often go beyond a standard middle school curriculum. Instructors break down complex ideas into manageable parts while still encouraging you to think carefully and participate actively. Feedback from instructors and peers helps you revise your ideas, strengthen your reasoning, and better understand the material.
14. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~12 students per cohort
Dates: July 7 – 25 + weekly online sessions in the fall (tentative, based on last year's cohort)
Application deadline: March
Eligibility: Students from low-income backgrounds in grades 6–7 who reside in and attend school in the U.S.
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program combines a summer course with extended virtual sessions that continue into the fall, providing greater continuity than a typical short-term enrichment program. You work in a small-group setting on academic writing, math enrichment, and study strategies that can support you in more rigorous school environments. Sessions also introduce you to selective high school pathways and explain how students can prepare for them over time. Family engagement sessions add another layer of support by keeping parents informed about progress and next steps.
15. Girls Who Code Clubs
Location: Remote and in-person options available across various locations
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Ongoing throughout the school year; clubs typically meet 1–2 hours per week after school or on weekends
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–12
With Girls Who Code, you develop coding skills through regular meetings focused on building projects in a collaborative, supportive setting. You begin with foundational concepts and can gradually move into areas such as web development, game design, app creation, or other coding pathways, depending on your experience level. Sessions emphasize problem-solving, debugging, and logical thinking, so you learn to work through challenges rather than just memorize steps. Projects often connect to real-world issues, which gives your work a clearer purpose and helps you see how technology can be used in meaningful ways.