15 Programs for Middle School Students in Michigan
If you’re a middle school student, consider participating in a structured academic program separate from your school's curriculum. These programs give you the chance to explore different subject areas like the arts, humanities, engineering, computer science, and so on, all while still in middle school. You can also gain early exposure to academic environments while discovering new interests and learning alongside students with similar goals.
Why should you attend a program in Michigan?
Michigan is home to several institutions and organizations that offer programs for middle school students, including Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan Tech, and more. Depending on the program, you can explore engineering, coding, research, music, veterinary science, or creative arts through workshops, projects, and academic sessions. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a Michigan student looking for programs nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring new learning environments.
To help you get started, we have 15 programs for middle school students in Michigan.
If you’re looking for online programs, check out our blog here.
1. Mathematics, Science, and Technology at Michigan State University (MST@MSU)
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: Varies; Non-refundable application fee of $75 (before March 1) or $95 (after March 1); Need-based scholarships may be offered
Dates: June 22 – 26; July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: May 8; Rolling basis
Eligibility: 7th-8th graders; More details here
The MST@MSU program offers academically talented middle school students the chance to immerse themselves in an advanced STEM curriculum for a week. As a participant, you will experience active learning and investigate problems that can be solved through STEM. You’ll also get to focus on an intensive area of study and conduct interdisciplinary research. MST offers two tracks; you can attend either or both. In Track 1, you will attend classes in 3D Animation, Proteins: Structure, Function, and Experimental Analysis, and Decoding Mathematical Data: An Introduction to Data Science. In Track 2, you will attend classes in Nuclear Astrophysics, Game Design, and Motion Math: Calculus and Curves.
2. Veritas AI: AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid offered
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weekends in the spring; 25 hours over 2 weekdays in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: 6th-8th graders
AI Trailblazers by Veritas AI is a virtual educational program that introduces you to the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning while you're still in middle school. Over more than 25 hours, you'll build your core skills in Python programming and explore topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Learning happens through lectures and group sessions, with a student-to-mentor ratio of 5:1. In the past, students have created projects such as developing a machine learning model to classify music genres and an algorithm to recommend personalized educational resources based on specific criteria.
3. Wolverine Pathways
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Year-round program (academic year + summer sessions)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: 6th-12th graders in Detroit, Southfield, Ypsilanti, and Grand Rapids with an overall GPA of 3.0+ and an academic GPA of 2.8+
The Wolverine Pathways program aims to support your college and career aspirations by offering free, year-round programming that contributes to your college preparation and academic development. During this program, you will attend pre-college courses taught by UM Faculty, take tours of UM Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint, receive individualized tutoring, receive professional development coaching, and so on. You will also receive career guidance and mentorship from industry professionals, as well as college application support in the form of SAT prep and assistance with admissions essays. A stand-out feature of this program is that, upon successful completion, you may receive a full, four-year tuition scholarship if you are admitted to universities like UM Ann Arbor or UM Dearborn.
4. Lumiere Education: Junior Explorer Program (JEP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid offered
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: 6th-8th graders
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a virtual research program that introduces you to the basics of academic research across different subjects, all while you're still in middle school. Over eight weeks, you'll work with a mentor who has or is working towards a Ph.D. at a research university to explore a topic you're interested in, like artificial intelligence, environmental science, history, or business. Each week, you'll have a one-on-one meeting to help you develop research questions, organize your sources, and shape your ideas. The program focuses on building your project step by step, from choosing a topic to outlining, drafting, and revising. By the end, you'll put together a brief research paper showing what you’ve learned and your research process.
5. Michigan Tech Summer Youth Programs (SYP)
Location: Michigan Tech, Houghton, MI
Cost: $1,175 (residential); $700 (commuter); Additional costs apply; Scholarships offered
Dates: Weekly sessions from June 14 to July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students
Michigan Tech's Summer Youth Programs (SYP) offer the opportunity to spend a week exploring diverse fields in STEM, business, humanities, and the arts. These programs also facilitate the discovery of college pathways and career opportunities. As a participant, you will spend a week on the Michigan Tech campus, experiencing life as a college student. Outside the classroom, you will participate in recreational activities and take trips to waterfalls, hiking trails, and more. Some of the courses or camps you’ll get to attend as a middle schooler are Building A Better World: Civil Engineering, Engineering 101, Voices of Change: Intro to Civic Engagement, Ecosystem Explorers: Introduction to Natural Resources, and more.
6. Interlochen Summer Arts Camp
Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, MI
Cost: Varies by program; Financial aid offered.
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: September 1 – January 15; Rolling after January 15
Eligibility: 6th-8th graders
The Interlochen Summer Arts Camp offers a diverse range of arts programs to both middle and high school students. As a participant, you can choose from camps in creative writing, dance, interdisciplinary arts, music, film and new media, theatre, and visual arts. Aside from this, you will also get to participate in recreational activities, including swimming, canoeing, hiking, and more. Some of the camps open to middle schoolers include the Acting Summer Program, the Advanced Drawing and Painting Summer Program, the Animation Summer Program, the Classical Ballet Summer Program, the Creative Writing Summer Program, and more.
7. ATYP Summer Programs
Location: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI + Virtual options
Cost: $150; Additional and late fees may apply; Scholarships offered
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 6th-9th graders
Western Michigan University’s Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP) offers Summer Programs for middle and high school students with no testing or eligibility requirements. This program offers camps in subject areas like art, writing, math, computers, and science, giving you the chance to spend the summer exploring your interests. Some of the camps open to middle schoolers include How to Survive on Mars, Calling All Poets, Aquatic Science, Arts for a Brighter Future, and more.
8. ESD’s Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA)
Location: Various university campuses in Michigan
Cost: $400
Dates: Summer + academic year sessions
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 6th-grade girls
ESD’s Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA) aims to encourage middle and high school girls to explore STEM fields through a hands-on, project-based approach. The program is rather selective, accepting only 40 applications from middle school students. During the first year of the program, you will focus on subjects like pre-algebra, computer science, physics or mechanical engineering, drone technology, and English. The program helps you better understand the role of an engineer. You will also have the chance to learn from female engineering students and university professors. You will attend STEM workshops and contribute to hands-on engineering projects. The program also includes visits to engineering facilities and other STEM-related locations.
9. Bits & Bytes Summer Camp
Location: Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
Cost: $50 non-refundable registration fee; Scholarships offered
Dates: June 15 – 19
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school girls
The Bits & Bytes Summer Camp gives you the chance to explore areas like coding, engineering, AI, and even scientific exploration while you’re still in middle school. During the camp, you will be introduced to computing and technology concepts and will get the chance to apply your newfound knowledge to hands-on projects. You will learn about coding by working with educational software and robots. The program also offers you the chance to receive mentorship from faculty and college students. By the end of the camp, you will get to participate in a hackathon and a career discovery event.
10. Summer Vocal Academy of Music
Location: University of Michigan – Flint, Flint, MI
Cost: $150 (early bird); $180 (regular)
Dates: July 7 – 17
Application Deadline: None; Open till the first day of camp
Eligibility: 5th-12th graders
The Summer Vocal Academy of Music gives you the chance to participate in a choir or smaller vocal ensembles. Depending on your grade, you’ll either get to join the Maize Choir, which is open to 5th-7th graders, or the Blue Choir, which is open to 8th-12th graders. You’ll also attend classes focused on vocal technique, movement, rhythm, and music exploration. This program gives you the chance to explore your artistic potential, develop vocal skills, and collaborate with other students.
11. Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $150
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 8; Session 2: July 9 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 7th-12th graders between the ages of 13 and 17
The 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp is for middle schoolers interested in animal and veterinary science. The program is held at Michigan State University in collaboration with the MI 4-H Youth Development, the MSU Department of Animal Science, and the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. As a participant, you will attend sessions exploring animal science and veterinary medicine and take part in hands-on activities. You’ll also visit MSU farms and facilities.
12. MSU Extension 4-H Exploration Days
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $250; Scholarships may be offered
Dates: June 24 – 26
Application Deadline: Mid-March – April; First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 12 and 19
During this program, you will have the opportunity to experience life on a college campus while engaging in hands-on learning. During the program, you will develop skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and time management, while also learning how to be more confident and independent. You will live in the Michigan State University dorm and attend sessions taught by MSU faculty members, 4-H volunteers, and other experts. This program also gives you the chance to develop the necessary academic and social skills needed for college life.
13. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: July 6 – 24 (summer); August 26 – December 9 (fall)
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: 6th-7th graders from low-income backgrounds in the U.S.
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program offers a three-week summer online course, plus weekly online after-school sessions during the fall semester. Throughout the program, you'll connect with your group and instructor to dive into academic writing, work on your math skills, explore high school subject options, and more. Some of the courses you can take over the summer are Democracy & Dissent, Real-Life Applications of Mathematics, and History through Graphic Novels. Your instructor will also serve as a mentor, helping you develop the skills you need to succeed in school.
14. Kode With Klossy
Location: Virtual + In-person options
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies by location (2 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Young women and gender expansive teens (ages 13-18)
Kode with Klossy offers free, intensive summer camps focused on the basics of coding and getting you interested in STEM fields. As a participant, you can choose from four specialized tracks: web development, mobile app development, data science, or machine learning. In the machine learning track, you'll learn the fundamentals of AI and machine learning, including algorithms, datasets, and programming with Python. The web development track covers what it takes to build a website, including three main languages—JavaScript, HTML, and CSS—and helps you get a feel for good UI/UX design. The mobile app development track focuses on programming with Apple’s Swift language, guiding you through the creation of a fully functional iOS app. Finally, the data science track involves analyzing raw data using tools such as SQL, Python, and data visualization to uncover meaningful insights.
15. Stanford’s Code in Place
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Starts in April; Runs for 6 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students
Stanford’s Code in Place program gives you the chance to learn the basics of computer programming from Stanford professors. The program is set up in small groups of 10 students to 1 teacher, making sure you get a strong community for learning and support. As part of the course, you’ll learn Python essentials like control flow, graphics, loops, conditionals, console programs with variables, and more. It’s a hands-on program that lets you dive into programming by working on creative projects from scratch.