14 Programs for Middle School Students in New Jersey
If you are a middle school student, participating in structured academic programs can help you explore your interests beyond the classroom while building foundational skills. These programs often combine interactive learning, collaborative projects, and mentorship, helping you develop confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills at an early stage. You may also gain exposure to subjects such as STEM, the arts, leadership, or technology while working with peers who share similar interests.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers a wide range of academic and enrichment programs hosted by universities, science centers, and specialized organizations for middle school students. Across these programs, you might experiment with engineering concepts, learn coding and artificial intelligence, explore theatre and creative expression, participate in leadership simulations like Model UN, or work on structured STEM and design projects. These opportunities are designed to help you build skills, explore interests in a guided setting, and gain early exposure to different academic pathways.
To make your search easier, I’ve narrowed down 14 programs for middle school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for online programs, check out our blog here̊.
1. iSTEM Summer Academy
Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $625 per student per week (lunch included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Week 1: July 6 – 10 (MakerCraft) | Week 2: July 13 - 17 (Automation & Robotics)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 8th - 12th graders
The iSTEM Summer Academy at The College of New Jersey is a hands-on engineering and design program that introduces you to essential STEM skills. You’ll choose between two themed weeks: MakerCraft, focused on product design and wearable technology using CAD, MATLAB, Simulink, 3D printing, and laser cutting; or Automation & Robotics, centred on programming microcontrollers, designing automated circuits, and controlling robotic systems. You’ll gain experience with rapid prototyping tools, coding, and fabrication technologies while developing creative problem-solving skills. You may attend one or both weeks to deepen your exposure to product design and robotics.
2. Veritas AI - Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekends) during the spring cohort; 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays) during the summer cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 - 8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual learning experience designed for middle school students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 instructional hours, you are introduced to Python programming and foundational AI concepts, including data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. The program emphasises interactive learning through lectures and small-group sessions, maintaining a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. You’ll gain hands-on experience building applied machine learning projects. Past student projects have included creating models to classify music genres and developing recommendation algorithms that generate customised educational resource lists. The program is structured to provide early exposure to AI in a supportive, mentor-guided environment.
3. TARGET Program
Location: Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $500 (TARGET I: $400, prorated 4-day session); need-based sponsorship available Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: TARGET I (6th grade): June 29 – July 2 | TARGET II (7th grade): July 6 – 10 | TARGET III (8th grade): July 13 – 17 | TARGET IV (9th grade): July 20 – 24 | TARGET V (10th grade): July 27 – 31 | TARGET VI (11th grade): July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Current 6th – 11th grade students (grade level determined at time of application); open to all qualifying students regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity. Teacher recommendations are required for most applicants
TARGET is a one-week, age-specific summer engineering program designed to introduce you to STEM careers and the engineering design process. The program runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is led by School of Engineering faculty and student mentors. You’ll engage in hands-on workshops, labs, and collaborative projects across various engineering disciplines. TARGET aims to increase awareness of engineering pathways while building confidence, teamwork skills, and problem-solving abilities. The program provides structured exposure to STEM fields in a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines across the year
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP) is a fully virtual academic enrichment program designed for middle school students who want to explore their intellectual interests through personalized mentorship. Students work one-on-one with mentors from top research universities, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE, to develop a project aligned with their passions. Founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, the program emphasizes rigor, curiosity, and independent exploration. Participants engage in structured mentorship while building a tangible academic project that reflects their interests and growth. The program offers need-based financial aid to ensure accessibility for qualified students. Multiple rolling cohorts throughout the year provide flexibility for families seeking individualized academic opportunities.
5. AWE (Attracting Women into Engineering)
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $200 (Lunch not provided; limited scholarships available through Marketa’s Journey Organisation)
Acceptance rate: 25 students
Dates: July 13 – 16
Application Deadline: Registration opens March 1; Closes June
Eligibility: Current middle school girls (6th – 8th grade during school year); open to all individuals regardless of legally protected characteristics
Hosted by Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, the program emphasises hands-on laboratory experiments, team-based projects, and interactive demonstrations across disciplines such as civil, chemical, electrical and computer, environmental, and mechanical engineering. You’ll explore real-world applications through activities like soft robotics, environmental projects, AI-focused exercises, and engineering design challenges. Faculty, staff, and current engineering students provide mentorship and insight into academic and career pathways. The program intentionally limits enrollment to foster personalised engagement and meaningful peer collaboration. AWE aims to cultivate early interest and confidence in STEM through applied learning experiences.
6. LSC Science Camp
Location: Liberty Science Centre, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Members: $1,000 per week | Nonmembers: $1,050 per week | $150 non-refundable deposit required per session; Sibling, public servant, and multi-session discounts available
Cohort size: Class size limited to 20 campers per class with at least 2 staff members
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students entering Grades 1 - 8 (age/grade-specific courses each week)
LSC Science Camp is a STEM-focused summer day camp designed for elementary and middle school students. Hosted at Liberty Science Centre, the program offers weekly themed sessions ranging from sports science and medical exploration to space studies, engineering, survival science, robotics, and mythology-inspired innovation. Campers participate in hands-on experiments, lab activities, engineering challenges, live demonstrations, museum exploration, and occasional off-site field trips. Each week features grade-specific curricula tailored to developmental levels, with small class sizes to support individualised learning and collaboration. In addition to scientific content, you’ll build teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills.
7. Summer Youth Program
Location: Essex County College, Newark, NJ
Cost: Tuition-based includes breakfast, lunch, and field trips; before/after care available for additional cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: July 13 – August 21
Application Deadline: Registration begins in March
Eligibility: Rising 1st – 8th graders
The Essex County College Summer Youth Program is a multi-week academic and enrichment initiative designed for elementary and middle school students. The program offers two-week sessions across six weeks, combining academic instruction with recreational and cultural activities. Course offerings include STEM, algebra, literacy, math, coding and video game design, art, dance, fashion design, theatrical expression, and study skills. You’ll participate in hands-on, collaborative activities that reinforce learning while fostering creativity and teamwork. Tuition includes breakfast, lunch, and field trips, creating a comprehensive day-camp experience. The program is structured to balance academic development with engaging summer enrichment opportunities.
8. Camp Middlesex
Location: Edison Campus, Middlesex College, Edison, NJ
Cost: $25 late registration fee; $25 change fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 22 - August 14
Application Deadline: Early registration recommended to avoid a late fee
Eligibility: Children ages 5 - 13
Camp Middlesex is an eight-week summer program offering themed weekly camps for children ages 5-13. Hosted on the Edison campus, the program provides a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, science and STEM, Black Rocket technology camps (coding, game design, AI), chess, performing arts, literacy and math enrichment, sports, magic, and culinary programs such as Junior Chef. You may enrol for a single week or multiple weeks, allowing flexibility for families. Programs are designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and skill development in an engaging, age-appropriate setting. Saturday enrichment programs are also available during the year for extended learning opportunities.
9. Early College Preparatory Programs (ECPP)
Location: NJIT Campus, University Heights, Newark, NJ
Cost: Application Fee: $70 (nonrefundable) | Tuition: $1,525 (includes academic materials, field trips, and lunch); limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: July 6 – August 6
Application Deadline: Applications open now; Final tuition refund deadline: May 7
Eligibility: Students completing 4th – 9th grades (post 4th to post 9th); must maintain a B average or higher (teacher recommendation required if below B); personal statement required
You’ll engage in discipline-specific coursework alongside mathematics, language arts, and computer science, while also participating in recreation and two field trips. Program tracks include Environmental Science & Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Forensic Science, and ExCITE: Energy & Sustainability. You may enroll in either co-educational cohorts or FEMME (all-girls) cohorts, which aim to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers. The curriculum combines hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and exposure to real-world engineering concepts. ECPP emphasises academic rigour, creativity, and early college readiness within a structured university environment.
10. Model UN Institute at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $1,350 (Day Camp without tutoring, discounted rate) | $1,499 (With tutoring, discounted rate); Limited financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Max 34 students per class; 1:12 staff-to-student ratio
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Middle School Institute: Ages 11-13; High School Institute: Ages 14-17; No prior Model UN experience required
The Model United Nations Institute at Rutgers University is a five-day summer leadership program focused on diplomacy, debate, and global problem-solving. You’ll participate in interactive Model UN simulations, public-speaking labs, negotiation exercises, and collaborative resolution-writing. The curriculum emphasizes discussing U.S. and global issues diplomatically in today’s polarized world while building confidence and leadership skills. You’ll receive personalised mentorship and daily feedback from experienced MUN instructors, many recruited from top universities. The program culminates in a final simulation where students represent countries, deliver speeches, and draft resolutions, with parents invited to observe.
11. Premiere Stages - Camp Premiere
Location: Enlow Recital Hall, Kean University, Hillside, NJ
Cost: $350 per session (Early Bird: $300 if registered by March 15); $50 deposit required; limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Theatremakers (Grades 6-8): July 6 – 17 | Actors Studio (Grades 9-12): July 20 – 31
Application Deadline: Early Bird & Scholarship Deadline: March 15 – 16 | Final Registration & Payment Deadline: June 26
Eligibility: Theatremakers: Students entering Grades 6-8 (Fall); Actors Studio: Students entering Grades 9-12 (Fall)
Camp Premiere is a two-week summer theatre intensive hosted by Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre-in-residence at Kean University. Theatremakers (Grades 6-8) focuses on creative development through structured improvisation, storytelling exercises, and acting games, culminating in an original performance created and performed by campers. You’ll work closely with industry professionals and present their work in a final showcase for friends and family. The program encourages artistic expression, collaboration, and confidence-building in a supportive environment.
12. Hun Summer Programs
Location: The Hun School of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 22 – August 31
Application Deadline: Registration varies by program
Eligibility: Students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 (varies by program)
Academic courses (Grades 8-12) include credit-bearing and enrichment classes in math, science, writing, and standardized test preparation. Discovery Camps (Grades K-8) provide week-long, project-based experiences in STEM and the arts, including coding, robotics, engineering challenges, and creative exploration. The Hun Summer Day Camp (Grades K-7) features recreational activities, sports, swimming, and special events in a full- or half-day format. Additional offerings include weekly sports and dance camps (Grades 4-9) and a Spanish Immersion Camp (Grades K-5), providing diverse options tailored to your interests and developmental levels.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Online; Hosted by Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
Cost: $3,200 tuition; $65 application fee. Additional course materials may cost up to $100. Financial aid available (separate financial aid application fee of $60; fee waivers available) Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Session One: June 15 – 26 | Session Two: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: March 13; Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 - 11
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a selective, online summer enrichment program designed for academically motivated middle and high school students. You’ll enroll in a single, subject-specific course in areas such as Business, Bioscience, Computer Science, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Social Sciences. Courses emphasise deep exploration, hands-on learning, and engagement with intellectually curious peers in small class settings. You may rank up to three course preferences, but ultimately enroll in one course if admitted. The program integrates academic rigor with community-building and social engagement opportunities in a structured two-week format.
14. Coding and Creating With Arduino
Location: Online; Hosted by Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth (CTY)
Cost: $1,850 tuition; $15 online registration fee; $55 CTY join fee (if not already a member). Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Spring B: March 24 – June 16 | Summer A: June 16 – September 1
Application Deadline: Spring B: March 3 | Summer A: May 11
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-11 who meet CTY’s Quantitative (CTY-Level) identification requirements. Students must create a CTY account and confirm their identification level before enrollment
You’ll explore Arduino, an open-source electronics platform that integrates hardware and software to build automated systems. Through hands-on projects, you’ll use microprocessors, breadboards, sensors, and actuator kits to design and program devices that respond to motion, proximity, and other inputs. The course emphasises digital prototyping, code modification, and adapting existing designs to solve real-world challenges. Meeting weekly in a live online format, you’ll develop foundational skills in electronics, programming, and engineering design. This course is designed for academically advanced students seeking structured, interactive instruction in applied robotics and technology.
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