11 Programs for Middle School Students in Massachusetts
As a middle school student, participating in structured programs outside of school can be a great way to explore your interests early on. Structured programs can help you build real-world skills while offering you exposure to industry tools and access to valuable mentorship. Many of these programs are hosted by respected institutions or nonprofits that prioritize accessibility and personal growth, helping you build confidence, curiosity, and collaboration skills.
Massachusetts, home to world-renowned universities like Harvard, MIT, and Boston University, offers various opportunities that help you learn something new beyond the classroom. The state’s strong focus on innovation and education offers students access to top-tier research spaces, interactive STEM workshops, and community-based initiatives, making Massachusetts programs a great option for local as well as out-of-state students.
To help you with your search, we have put together a list of 15 programs for middle school students in Massachusetts. We have focused on options that offer high-quality instruction, supportive mentorship, and opportunities to explore new disciplines in meaningful ways.
1. Arboretum Young Scientists
Location: Harvard Arnold Arboretum, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; open to 24 students/year
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th-graders enrolled in Boston Public Schools with an interest in nature and outdoor exploration
The Arboretum Young Scientists program offers middle school students a chance to conduct hands-on environmental research in the heart of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum. Over four weeks, you will explore topics like ecosystems, plant adaptations, and soil science while spending time outdoors exploring the Arboretum’s gardens and woodlands. Led by professional educators and Arboretum scientists, the program focuses on curiosity-driven investigation, collaboration, and communication. As a participant, you will also gain exposure to real-world scientific careers through fieldwork and lab activities. The program concludes with a student-designed research presentation, allowing you to share your discoveries and insights with peers and mentors.
2. Veritas AI Trailblazers Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Spring cohort: 25 hours over 10 weekends | Summer cohort: 25 hours over two weeks (weekdays only)
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines based on cohorts
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8
The Veritas AI Trailblazers Program introduces middle school students to artificial intelligence and machine learning through a mix of projects and small-group instruction. Across 25 hours of live sessions, you will explore Python programming, data analysis, regression modeling, and neural networks while gaining insight into the ethical dimensions of AI. Within classes following a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, you will receive personalized guidance as you design AI-based tools, such as recommendation systems or music classifiers. The program combines technical instruction with mentorship from AI experts, allowing you to experience how computer science applies to real-world problems. You can apply to the program here.
3. dynaMIT @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts per session
Dates: Week 1: August 11 – 15 (rising 6th and 7th graders); Week 2: August 18 – 22 (rising 8th and 9th graders)
Application deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Rising 6th–9th graders; priority given to students from low-income backgrounds
dynaMIT is a free summer program that introduces middle schoolers to the excitement of science and engineering through hands-on exploration. Designed and run by MIT undergraduates and graduate students, the program provides a STEM-focused, hands-on environment where you can experiment, build, and solve real-world challenges while learning directly from mentors. Each week features structured lessons, experiments, and small-group projects that focus on creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. By combining mentorship and experimentation, dynaMIT can help you explore your interests in science and engineering.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP)
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts (summer, fall, spring, and winter) every year
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines; date varies based on the chosen cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students
JEP offers middle school students an introduction to independent research, particularly in STEM disciplines such as biology, medicine, and public health. Under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors from universities like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Yale, you will design and execute your own research project while sharpening critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific writing skills. Your project will be tailored to your interests to help you access a highly personalized learning experience. The program emphasizes mentorship, analytical reasoning, and academic curiosity, offering you opportunities to build foundational research skills that can prepare you for future competitions and high school-level inquiry.
5. Dive In Commonwealth @ Commonwealth School
Location: Commonwealth School, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 8 – August 16 + select Saturdays throughout the school year
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th-graders from low-income families in the Boston area; priority given to students from historically underrepresented groups, those qualifying for free/reduced lunch, or first-generation college students
Dive In Commonwealth is a tuition-free academic enrichment program designed for middle school students looking to challenge themselves and prepare for top-tier high schools. Over six weeks, you will study core subjects like English and math while choosing electives in biology, computer science, and theater to add to your learning experience. The program balances academics with community-building through athletics, field trips, and creative projects. Held at Commonwealth School’s historic Back Bay campus, the program is designed to help you build academic confidence and work toward social growth. The learning continues throughout the year with Saturday enrichment sessions.
6. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~12 students/cohort
Dates: Summer Program: July 7 – 25; Fall Semester Meetings: August 27 – December 10
Application deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 and 7 who reside and attend school in the U.S.; priority given to families with household incomes under $90,000
SMSSP is a tuition-free academic enrichment opportunity that is designed to prepare students for success in rigorous high school environments. You will begin with a three-week online summer course and continue engaging during the fall in weekly after-school sessions focused on academic writing, math enrichment, and high school readiness. Classes are conducted live online with instructors—65% of whom hold Ph. D.s—offering individualized feedback and mentorship. The program focuses on helping you build both academic and personal growth through interactive learning, goal setting, and collaboration with peers from across the country. You will also receive guidance on applying to selective schools, including Stanford Online High School.
7. EXPLO at Wellesley for Middle School – EXPLO Education
Location: Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
Cost: Overnight: $6,295/session; Day: $4,045/session; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; seats filled on a rolling basis
Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 12 (overnight program); June 30 – July 11 (day program) | Session 2: July 13 – 26 (overnight program); July 14 – 25 (day program)
Application deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 8
EXPLO at Wellesley for Middle School is a dynamic residential and day summer program that encourages students to explore their interests while developing independence and leadership skills. Hosted on the scenic Wellesley College campus, the program offers workshops across the arts, sciences, and humanities—from hip-hop dance and creative writing to engineering design and psychology. Outside the classroom, you will join social events like concerts, film nights, and campus-wide challenges. Weekend excursions, including whale watching, ropes courses, and city trips to Boston, are also part of the experience.
8. Bridgewater State University’s Summer Science Academy
Location: Dana Mohler-Faria Science & Mathematics Center @ Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
Cost: $300; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; seats filled on a rolling basis
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: Registration closes one month before the program start; scholarship deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9 (currently in grades 6 – 8)
The Summer Science Academy at Bridgewater State University offers a weeklong series of in-person STEM sessions that combine academics with creative hands-on learning. Each class focuses on applied science and technology. You can opt for “CyberTank: Innovate, Defend, Pitch!”, a cybersecurity challenge modeled after Shark Tank, or “Avoiding a Campus CATastrophe”, which integrates biotechnology and engineering design to solve real-world animal welfare problems. In either track, you will collaborate in small groups, gaining exposure to lab procedures, teamwork, and critical thinking. Classes are taught by university faculty and local STEM educators, providing a collegiate learning experience.
9. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) Saturday Studios
Location: Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), Boston, MA
Cost: $205; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; small class sizes by grade level
Dates: October 18 – December 13
Application deadline: October 6; registration opens on September 8.
Eligibility: Students in grades 3 – 12; grade-specific classes available
Saturday Studios at MassArt provides middle school students with a creative outlet to explore and develop artistic skills in a collegiate studio environment. The program offers a variety of weekend art courses, including sessions covering sculpting, painting, and studio explorations. Classes are taught by art education student teachers under the supervision of professional faculty, offering access to mentorship and peer interaction. You will work in real art studios with access to diverse materials, building both technique and confidence. You will also gain exposure to different art forms, techniques, and the work of contemporary artists.
10. ACEDONE’s Summer Learning Academy
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: Not specified; typically, free or low-cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Five weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students in grades 1 – 8 from Boston’s African community
The Summer Learning Academy supports middle school students within Boston’s African community through a combination of academic enrichment and culturally meaningful programming. Over five weeks, you will engage in STEM challenges, literacy activities, and leadership workshops that can help you strengthen academic and problem-solving skills. The program also includes field trips, guest sessions, and cultural celebrations. As an extension of the organization’s year-round After School Academic Enrichment initiative, the academy provides continuous mentorship and learning opportunities following the summer program.
11. Kode With Klossy Summer Camp
Location: Virtual and in-person; sites can vary each year
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Two weeks in the summer; dates vary by year
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens, ages 13 – 18
Kode With Klossy offers various free programs, including its Summer Camp, which is a two-week introduction to coding/programming, software development, and machine learning. You will explore these disciplines through one of four tracks. In the camp’s web development track, you will learn how to work with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS and develop an online platform. The machine learning track covers AI and ML concepts such as algorithms, natural language processing, and datasets. In the data science track, you will examine data and draw insights using SQL, Python, and data visualization tools. The mobile app track covers coding in Swift (Apple’s programming language), allowing you to develop an iOS mobile application.
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