15 Free STEM Camps for Middle School Students
If you're a middle school student interested in STEM, summer camps can help you explore subjects beyond what is typically covered during the school year. Depending on the camp, you can learn programming, study mathematics, investigate scientific questions, explore engineering concepts, or work with technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence. These experiences can help you build problem-solving and analytical skills while discovering which STEM fields interest you most.
What are the benefits of a STEM camp?
STEM camps are typically shorter and more focused than many academic enrichment programs, allowing you to explore a specific subject over the course of a few days or weeks. Many camps include projects, experiments, design challenges, and collaborative activities that encourage you to apply what you learn in a structured setting. Some also provide opportunities to learn from university students, educators, researchers, and industry professionals while exploring potential academic interests.
In this list, we have selected 15 free STEM camps for middle school students.
If you’re looking for online science programs, check out our blog here.
1. MIT dynaMIT
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; 40 students per session
Dates: August 17 – 21 (rising 6th/7th graders); August 24 – 28 (rising 8th/9th graders)
Application Deadline: Typically, March – April
Eligibility: Rising 6th-9th graders
MIT’s dynaMIT offers middle schoolers a strong academic environment and mentorship from MIT students. During the program, you’ll explore scientific topics through experiments, workshops, and interactive lessons designed by university mentors. Each day focuses on a specific concept, such as electromagnetism or polymers, helping you gradually build understanding through hands-on learning. You’ll also work on a capstone project, which encourages you to apply concepts in a practical setting. Along the way, you’ll interact with mentors who share their own academic journeys and insights into STEM careers. The collaborative structure allows you to learn alongside peers who share similar interests.
2. Veritas AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 25 hours over 2 weeks or 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 6th-8th graders
The Trailblazers program introduces you to artificial intelligence concepts through guided coding projects and structured lessons. You’ll explore topics like machine learning, neural networks, and Python programming, and participate in projects to build simple AI tools, such as prediction models or image classifiers. Mentors guide you through exercises that show how AI is used in industries like healthcare or sports. Collaborative discussions help you understand ethical considerations related to AI technologies. You’ll also complete a final project where you’ll apply concepts learned during the program.
3. Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) Summer Away
Location: Various campuses across New York City and Los Angeles
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 40 students per site
Dates: 3 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: January – March 15
Eligibility: Middle school students with a strong background in math
BEAM focuses on proof-based mathematics, which is usually not introduced until later in school. For around three weeks, you’ll explore topics like combinatorics, number theory, and graph theory through structured classes and discussions. You’ll also attend lectures from mathematicians who explain how math connects to real-world applications. The program encourages collaborative problem-solving, helping you develop logical reasoning skills. Beyond summer, BEAM offers continued academic support through mentoring and enrichment opportunities. You may also participate in presentations or discussions that build confidence in explaining mathematical ideas.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorers Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: 6th-8th graders
The Lumiere Junior Explorers Program offers personalized mentorship, allowing you to work on an independent STEM research project. You’ll begin with foundational lessons before selecting a specialized topic to explore further. Mentors will guide you through the design and completion of a structured research project. They’re often affiliated with leading universities, providing a solid academic perspective. You’ll also develop skills such as analytical thinking, academic writing, and research planning. The individualized approach allows you to explore topics at your own pace. Mentorship-based free STEM camps can help build strong academic habits early.
5. Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp at USC
Location: USC, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 32 students
Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: 5th-7th graders with a B average in math and science
The Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp introduces you to engineering concepts through hands-on activities guided by industry professionals. You’ll explore areas like aerospace, mechanical engineering, and robotics through structured projects and participate in activities that may include building circuits, designing rockets, or coding simple systems. You’ll also gain exposure to real-world engineering careers through interactions with professionals from Northrop Grumman and work on collaborative projects that help you develop teamwork and problem-solving skills. The structured learning environment ensures that concepts are introduced step-by-step.
6. Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers
Location: Multiple universities across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 3-4 week session
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Middle school students
This program combines technology learning with exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship. You’ll explore subjects such as 3D printing, augmented reality, and robotics through structured lessons and projects. It also includes mentorship and guidance on career exploration in STEM fields and allows you to participate in collaborative challenges that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Additional opportunities during the academic year help you continue learning beyond the summer. Campus visits and workshops introduce you to real academic environments.
7. Columbia University S-PREP
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July (summer); November – May (academic year)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: 7th-12th graders from underrepresented backgrounds
S-PREP introduces you to STEM subjects such as anatomy, psychology, and advanced mathematics through structured classes. The curriculum helps you prepare for future academic coursework while exploring career pathways in healthcare and science. You’ll also receive academic counseling, participate in college preparation workshops, and go on field trips and campus tours that provide exposure to academic environments. The academic year component allows you to continue learning beyond summer sessions; this extended support can help you build consistency in academic development.
8. NYU College & Career Lab
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current 7th-8th graders
The NYU College & Career Lab program introduces you to different academic disciplines, including engineering, health sciences, and public health. As a participant, you’ll take part in hands-on projects designed to build foundational knowledge across STEM fields and receive long-term mentorship opportunities that continue through high school. You’ll explore career pathways through workshops and networking sessions, and develop communication and teamwork skills through collaborative learning. The structured pathway allows you to specialize in a chosen field gradually.
9. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual + In-person options
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: April 7 (late)
Eligibility: Young women and gender expansive teens aged 13-18; No prior coding experience required
Kode With Klossy Summer Camps are free, two-week coding intensives designed to introduce you to the world of technology and programming. The camps combine technical learning with community-building, helping you develop coding skills while connecting with a global network of peers and alumni. As a participant, you can explore specialized tracks such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, and Web Development. Depending on the curriculum, you will learn how to use tools and languages like Python, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS while building real-world projects such as chatbots and websites. The program also focuses on important concepts like accessibility, responsive design, bias in AI systems, and user experience design.
10. Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy
Location: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: 5th-12th graders
This program combines STEM education with interdisciplinary learning that includes history and innovation. As a participant, you’ll take part in hands-on projects like designing bridges, programming sensors, and exploring microbiology concepts, giving you the chance to apply engineering and scientific principles. The curriculum integrates scientific learning with a broader context about contributions from diverse scholars. The program encourages returning students to continue advancing their knowledge and allows you to interact with peers across grade levels.
11. Purdue University Physics Inside Out
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: Limited cohort
Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: 7th-8th grade students
The Physics Inside Out program introduces you to physics through experiments, demonstrations, and lab visits. You’ll explore topics like nanotechnology, astrophysics, and scientific measurement through guided activities and go on visits to research facilities so you can better understand how scientists conduct experiments. During the program, you will get to conduct a lot of experiments, like analyzing the light coming from a laser to determine its wavelength and mechanical exfoliation of graphite to make graphene. You’ll also gain insights into academic pathways in physics from faculty and graduate students and participate in collaborative experiments to help reinforce conceptual understanding.
12. Stanford seeME
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 50–60 students
Dates: May 16
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The Stanford seeME program focuses on mechanical engineering concepts through interactive workshops led by graduate students. You’ll participate in activities, such as building autonomous vehicles or exploring biomechanics, and attend workshops designed to introduce engineering concepts in an accessible format. You’ll also learn from faculty members who will share insights into academic pathways in engineering. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation rather than lecture-based learning. Its short format allows you to explore engineering without long-term commitment.
13. SigmaCamp
Location: Silver Lake Camp and Conference Center, Sharon, CT
Cost: Varies; Up to 100% Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students aged 12-17
SigmaCamp offers a multidisciplinary approach where you’ll explore multiple STEM subjects in one immersive environment. Daily sessions combine lectures and lab-style learning, helping you understand both theory and application. You may study physics, computer science, biology, or engineering, depending on your track. Evening workshops include activities like rocket building or glass experiments, encouraging creativity alongside academic exploration. You’ll also participate in collaborative competitions such as the Sigma Tournament, which develops teamwork skills. Guest lectures from scientists provide insight into advanced research topics.
14. Dakota Dreams Career Exploration Camps
Location: University of South Dakota, Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, and South Dakota State University
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Approximately 100 participants accepted per camp
Dates: Summer (5-day camp; exact dates vary by location)
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Incoming 7th-8th grade students
The Dakota Dreams Career Exploration Camps give you the chance to explore future careers in a fun, hands-on environment during the summer. Over five days, you will participate in interactive activities, meet working professionals, and learn about different industries and career pathways. Camps are hosted across multiple South Dakota universities and also include visits to nearby technical colleges, helping you gain exposure to both academic and technical education options. Around 100 students are accepted at each camp site, with preference given to students from Title I school districts or districts with high COVID-era absenteeism if demand exceeds available spots. The initiative is supported through a partnership between the South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Technical Colleges, businesses and industries across the state, and the South Dakota Department of Education through federal American Rescue Plan funding.
15. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 12 students per session
Dates: July 6 – 24; August 26 – December 9
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: U.S. 6th-7th graders from low-income families
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program combines summer learning with continued academic support, giving you the chance to participate in structured coursework in math, data science, and additional interdisciplinary subjects. The learning continues into the fall through weekly meetings, helping you build consistency in academic development. You’ll receive guidance on academic writing, problem-solving, and preparing for future coursework. Because the program is affiliated with Stanford Online High School, it offers advanced academic pathways. The small cohort size allows for personalized instruction and mentorship.