16 Free STEM Programs for Middle School Students
Getting involved in STEM at an early age can be beneficial for middle school students. Whether you're interested in robotics, coding, engineering, or environmental science, free STEM programs for middle school students offer practical learning, exposure to advanced tools, and valuable mentorship.
STEM programs offer project-based experiences, lab work, or collaborative problem-solving challenges that apply classroom concepts. Many are hosted by top universities, research centers, and national organizations, making them great stepping stones for more advanced opportunities later on.
We’ve carefully compiled this list of 16 free STEM programs for middle school students to help you find the right fit!
1. Middle School Scholars Program: Real-Life Applications to Mathematics
Location: Virtual
Dates: Summer: July 7 – 25; Fall: Weekly sessions August 27 – December 10
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based students in grades 6 and 7 from low-income backgrounds
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program provides a distinctive blend of summer and fall courses emphasizing advanced mathematics and academic enrichment. In the Real-Life Applications to Mathematics course, you will study topics such as cryptography, modular arithmetic, and financial modeling, connecting theoretical math to real-world systems. Sessions are entirely virtual and focus on collaborative problem-solving and group discussions. The program offers mentorship on navigating selective high school admissions and long-term academic planning. With only around 12 students admitted, participants receive intensive, personalized instruction and mentorship within a small, dedicated cohort.
2. Veritas AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Dates: Various cohorts available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: Open to middle school students in grades 6–8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a fully online introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning for middle school students. Over the course of 25 hours, you will learn Python programming and explore core topics like data analysis, regression, neural networks, image classification, and AI ethics. Instruction is delivered through live lectures and collaborative sessions, with mentorship provided in small, supportive cohorts. Past participants' projects include a music genre classifier and a resource recommendation tool. Up to 100% need-based financial aid is available, which makes this a very accessible choice for students eager to explore advanced STEM fields.
3. NYS 4-H Animal Science Programs
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Dates: Varies depending on the program
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Open to current middle school students
The NYS 4-H Animal Science Programs at Cornell University offer middle school students an introduction to veterinary science and animal biology. You will explore topics such as animal physiology, agriculture, nutrition, and the basics of veterinary medicine through labs, workshops, and live demonstrations. The program allows students to interact directly with various animals, such as dairy cows, horses, goats, dogs, and rabbits, giving them practical experience in animal care and management. Most sessions take place on Cornell’s Ithaca campus, offering access to university laboratories and faculty expertise. These programs are designed for students interested in careers in biology, agriculture, or veterinary medicine.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP)
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6-8)
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week program for middle school students who want to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. The program provides structured guidance to help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. Students will explore four different topics in their selected track. They will dive deep into one topic area and build a 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, among others. The program also offers need-based financial aid for students who qualify.
5. Math Corps
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to 6th–8th graders attending school in the Ypsilanti area
Math Corps at the University of Michigan provides a math-focused enrichment experience for middle school students rooted in mentorship and academic growth. You will work in small groups led by high school and college mentors, focusing on both foundational math and advanced topics, such as robotics and modular arithmetic. The curriculum is practical and collaborative, featuring creative activities such as math-based card tricks alongside formal instruction. The program encourages a strong community spirit, with numerous students coming back to mentor future groups. Its multi-tiered design enhances leadership skills and promotes sustained academic achievement.
6. Data Science Summer Camp
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 7–9 in the fall who attend school in the State of Ohio
The Data Science Summer Camp at The Ohio State University offers a week-long introduction to data science and analytics through applied, team-based learning. You will explore how data is used in fields such as healthcare, urban planning, biology, and business by working with mentors on problem-solving projects. The camp emphasizes both technical and collaborative skills, with opportunities to hear from researchers and university students actively working in data-driven fields. Sessions include discussions on advanced topics, such as Imageomics, which help you understand how cutting-edge data science tools are applied in research.
7. Harvard Ed Portal Mentoring Program
Location: Harvard Ed Portal, Harvard University, Allston, MA
Dates: Runs for one week in July
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session
Eligibility: Open to middle school students from Allston-Brighton and surrounding communities
The Harvard Ed Portal Mentoring Program is a free academic enrichment initiative that connects middle school students with Harvard undergraduates for one-on-one or small-group mentorship. You will explore STEM subjects alongside topics in the arts and humanities, engaging in projects that foster creativity and problem-solving. The program aims to boost academic confidence through structured lessons, interactive discussions, and personalized support. Mentors also assist with digital literacy and early college awareness. It is designed to help students develop intellectually while forming meaningful connections with role models in higher education.
8. Math Academy for Middle School Students
Location: Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Open to rising 7th and 8th graders
Pasadena City College’s Math Academy offers a free summer program for middle school students to deepen their understanding of key math subjects in a focused academic setting. You will select a specific track, such as math fundamentals, pre-algebra, algebra, or geometry, and attend classes that include homework, testing, and feedback. With a class size limited to about 25 students, the program supports personalized instruction and peer collaboration. Courses are hosted on the college campus, giving participants early exposure to higher education environments. Each student receives a letter grade at the end of the session, offering a concrete record of achievement and readiness for future coursework.
9. College and Career Lab
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Dates: July 8 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to current 7th or 8th-grade students enrolled in a New York City public school
The College and Career Lab at NYU is a four-week, tuition-free summer program that provides middle school students with early exposure to college academics and career pathways. You will participate in workshops across various fields, including science, business, arts, and technology, all led by NYU faculty and staff. The program blends classroom learning with real-world exploration through field trips to NYC institutions that align with weekly themes. Past trips have included visits to law offices, hospitals, and design studios, offering direct insight into diverse professions.
10. dynaMIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Dates: Rising 6th and 7th graders: August 11 – 15 | Rising 8th and 9th graders: August 18 – 22
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: Open to rising 6th–9th-grade students
dynaMIT is a free, week-long summer STEM program designed and led by MIT undergraduate students to inspire middle schoolers through project-based learning. You will take part in experiments, team engineering challenges, and interactive lessons that link STEM concepts to real-world uses. Additionally, you'll have the chance to tour MIT laboratories and interact with mentors involved in advanced research. The program finishes with a showcase where you present your projects to peers and instructors, helping you develop communication and teamwork skills.
11. Sounds of New York City (SONYC)
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Dates: July 8 – August 4
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Open to New York City residents aged 12–14 at the start of the program
The Sounds of New York City (SONYC) program at NYU introduces middle school students to the science and technology behind urban soundscapes. You will learn to use specialized audio equipment and software to record, map, and analyze the effects of noise pollution across city neighborhoods. Using “sound walks” and fieldwork, students investigate how noise relates to the environment and urban living. Practical projects focus on developing technical data analysis skills as well as understanding key issues in environmental science and public health.
12. Science of Smart Cities (SoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Open to NYC residents aged 12–14 years by the program start date
The Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) program at NYU Tandon is a four-week, full-day summer experience focused on STEM-based urban innovation. You will learn about circuitry, microcontrollers, sensors, and environmental science through practical workshops led by NYU faculty and graduate mentors. As a team, you'll create a capstone project that offers a technology-based solution to a real urban issue, like energy efficiency or public transit. The program also includes Irondale, an improv-based communication training course designed to boost your confidence in public speaking and presentations. SoSC blends technical learning with creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving.
13. Physics Inside Out
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: Open to current 7th and 8th-grade students
Physics Inside Out is a four-day, free summer program hosted by Purdue University that brings middle schoolers into the world of physics. You will explore key concepts like motion, energy, sound, and light through lab experiments, interactive demonstrations, and collaborative team challenges. The curriculum highlights scientific investigation and practical applications, enabling students to ask questions, test hypotheses, and learn through mistakes. Additionally, you'll get exclusive access to Purdue’s cutting-edge research labs, where scientists and faculty showcase their latest work in applied physics.
14. Women’s Alliance in STEM and Humanities Summer Research Institute
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 22 – July 27
Application Deadline: May 21
Eligibility: Open to female-identifying students in grades 6–8
The Women’s Alliance in STEM and Humanities Summer Research Institute is a completely virtual, free program aimed at introducing middle school students to research in STEM and the humanities. You will choose from one of three intensive tracks, Number Theory, Computational Neuroscience, or Deep Learning, and explore your chosen topic through guided workshops and faculty mentorship. Each track includes weekly 2–3 hour sessions that build your analytical, programming, and problem-solving skills. The program also provides mentorship on academic writing, presentation, and future research opportunities.
15. Step Up to STEM
Location: Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Wilmington, NC
Dates: Program dates vary by campus
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Open to current 8th-grade students residing in North Carolina
Step Up to STEM is a fully funded, week-long summer program hosted by NC State University that introduces middle school students to interdisciplinary STEM fields. You will explore mathematics, cellular biology, biomedical engineering, and scientific writing through a blend of lab experiments, workshops, and collaborative projects. The program also focuses on developing communication skills, including creative activities such as hip-hop writing sessions to link language and science. Beyond the classroom, participants take part in campus tours, STEM career panels, and field trips to expand their understanding of college life and different professional options.
16. Summer Engineering Experience (SEE)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Open to rising 8th and 9th-grade students
The Summer Engineering Experience (SEE) at Carnegie Mellon University provides a free, immersive introduction to core engineering disciplines. You will work in teams to complete design challenges in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, guided by CMU faculty and professionals from the field. The program emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and technical skill development through project-based learning. Students also tour CMU research labs, attend lectures on cutting-edge technologies, and explore campus resources.