15 STEM Programs for Middle School Students in Florida
As a middle school student, participating in structured STEM programs outside of school can be a practical way to explore your interests before high school. STEM programs can help you build technical and problem-solving skills through projects while exposing you to research methods, engineering tools, coding platforms, laboratory environments, and collaborative design work. Many programs also provide opportunities to learn from university faculty, researchers, industry professionals, and experienced mentors, giving you a clearer sense of how STEM is applied in academic and professional settings.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
Florida offers a broad range of STEM opportunities for middle school students through its universities, science centers, aerospace institutions, and school districts. With major institutions such as the University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Kennedy Space Center, and Frost Science hosting youth STEM initiatives, the state provides access to STEM programs spanning robotics, engineering, coding, environmental science, marine biology, and aerospace. These opportunities can be especially relevant if you live or study in Florida and want local academic enrichment, though out-of-state students may also consider them if they are looking to explore STEM education in Florida.
To help with your search, we have compiled a list of 15 STEM programs for middle school students in Florida.
If you’re looking for online summer camps, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span a wide range of STEM disciplines, including robotics (USF Middle School Robotics Camp, VCS Summer STEM), cybersecurity (USF Cybersecurity Camp), coding (FGCU Coding Camp, Veritas AI Trailblazers), aerospace (Camp KSC), marine science (FGCU Summer Research Opportunity), and biomedical engineering (Pinellas County specialized tracks).
Several programs are free, including FGCU's GEMS, FGCU's Summer Research Opportunity, UCF's STEM Day, and Volusia County Schools Summer STEM Programs, while others range from under $300 (UCF GLAMPing Camp, FGCU Coding Camp) to around $1,000 (USF Robotics Camp).
Many programs are geographically restricted to local or county students, including FGCU's Summer Research Opportunity (Bonita Springs area), GatorLabs (within 50 miles of UF), and VCS Summer STEM (specific Volusia County middle schools).
Program lengths vary from single-day events (UCF STEM Day, FGCU GEMS) to multi-week research experiences (Lumiere Junior Explorer Program at eight weeks, FGCU Summer Research Opportunity at two weeks).
USF's Middle School Robotics Camp stands out for allowing students to take home their completed robot and programming files at the end of the program, extending the learning beyond the camp itself.
1. FGCU’s Growing in Engineering, Math, and Science (GEMS)
Location: FGCU campus, Fort Myers, FL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Available year-round; program dates are typically announced a month in advance (check here for upcoming dates)
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Middle school students from the local communityGEMS is a free STEM event that introduces middle school students to engineering, science, and math through hands-on activities held on FGCU’s campus. You will spend a day participating in interactive STEM sessions developed and led by FGCU faculty and student assistants. Activities vary by year, but have previously focused on topics such as bioengineering, biotechnology, forensics, astronomy, civil engineering, and environmental science. Throughout the event, you will work directly with university faculty, STEM majors, and fellow participants as you complete practical challenges and experiments. By combining mentorship with applied learning, the program gives you an opportunity to explore multiple STEM disciplines in a university-based setting.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (full financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program dates: 25 hours over two weeks (on weekdays) in the summer | 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) in the spring
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will explore the basics of Python and topics like regression, image classification, neural networks, data analysis, and AI ethics. You will learn during lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous projects have included developing a machine-learning model to categorize music genres and building a machine-learning algorithm to generate a custom list of educational resources based on specified criteria.
3. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)’s Summer Research Opportunity
Location: FGCU Vester Field Station, Bonita Springs, FL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle school studentsFGCU’S Summer Research Opportunity is a two-week research experience focused on investigating a real scientific question in a university setting. You will work through the full research process, from developing a hypothesis and planning an investigation to collecting field and laboratory data and analyzing your results. Led by FGCU faculty and student assistants, the program emphasizes collaborative, hands-on learning while introducing you to research methods used in active STEM fields. Each summer centers on a specific research theme, with the recent topic being “Gulf Explorers: Marine Research Academy”. The experience will conclude with a presentation of your findings.
4. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Program dates: Eight weeks; timing varies by cohort
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students designed to help build advanced academic writing and research skills. You will begin by selecting a subject area, such as STEM, social sciences, or humanities, and then you will be matched with a Ph.D.-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you will receive a structured introduction to your chosen subject area, and then design and carry out independent research focused on a real-world question. You will conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
5. University of Central Florida (UCF)’s STEM Day
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: Free
Cohort size: Up to $1,500 participants; maximum number of students/school: 150
Program dates: April 3
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Elementary, middle, and high school studentsSTEM Day is a free annual event that introduces middle school students to a wide range of STEM fields through activities held on UCF’s campus. Organized by UCF’s Center for Initiatives in STEM, the program will feature demonstrations, exhibits, guest speakers, and hands-on sessions led by university faculty and students. You will build a personalized schedule by selecting grade-level specific activities in advance, allowing you to explore STEM topics that match your interests throughout the day. STEM day also gives you the opportunity to interact directly with faculty, current university students, and STEM professionals.
6. University of South Florida (USF)’s Middle School Robotics Camp
Location: USF, Tampa, FL
Cost: $999.99
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Program dates: June 15 – 19 | July 13 – 17
Application deadline: Rolling; registration opens on February 1.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 to 8USF Middle School Robotics Camp is designed to introduce middle schoolers to robotics and engineering through a week of hands-on technical projects. During the camp, you will design and build an Autonomous Mobile Robot using an Arduino-based kit while learning how to assemble circuits, connect sensors and actuators, and program your robot through the Arduino IDE. You will then test and refine your robot through navigation and programming challenges that apply core engineering and problem-solving concepts. The schedule will also include time in USF’s robotics labs, where you will explore industrial robotics software and interact with real industrial robots used in advanced engineering settings. At the conclusion of the program, you will get to take home your completed robot, robotics kit, and programming files to continue experimenting beyond camp.
7. Volusia County Schools (VCS) Summer STEM Programs
Location: DeLand High School, Galaxy Middle School, Mainland High School, Pine Ridge High School, and T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School in Volusia County, FL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 1 – 24
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle school students currently enrolled at Campbell Middle, DeLand Middle, Deltona Middle, Galaxy Middle, Heritage Middle, Hinson Middle, Silver Sands Middle, and Southwestern MiddleVCS Summer STEM Programs provide middle school students with a hands-on introduction to multiple STEM disciplines through district-run summer enrichment courses. Throughout the program, you will engage in project-based activities related to areas such as robotics, electronics, game coding and design, and applied engineering. Most sessions will incorporate collaborative challenges and experimentation to help you gain practical exposure to technical concepts. Depending on the session, you may also take part in experiences connected to FIRST Robotics, robot competitions, or mobile learning initiatives such as the Secondary STEM Bus. This can be your chance to explore different technical interests in a structured school-based environment.
8. Florida International University (FIU)’s Camp Discover
Location: FIU's Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Miami, FL
Cost: $350/week, and $1,200 for four weeks; additional costs may apply for lunch and other services (discounts available for FIU employees)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 40 students/week
Program dates: June 8 – 12 (Week A) | June 15 – 19 (Week B) | June 22 – 26 (Week C) | June 29 – July 2 (Week D)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 6 – 14
Camp Discover will introduce middle school students to a range of STEAM subjects through themed summer sessions held on FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus. Each week will focus on a specific area of study, such as space physics, environmental science, marine ecosystems, sustainability, and design thinking. Through hands-on labs, field games, crafts, and project-based activities, you will explore how scientific and engineering concepts apply to real-world challenges and natural systems. The program will also include educational field trips tied to each week’s theme, giving you opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom. If you are 13 or 14, you can participate in the Counselors-in-Training track, where you will complete mentor-supported projects related to the weekly topics and assist instructors with camp activities.
9. UCF’s GLAMPing Camp
Location: UCF Main Campus, Orlando, FL
Cost: $200; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 20 – 24
Application deadline: Rolling; applications open on March 4
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 and 7
UCF’s GLAMPing Camp is a week-long camp for incoming 6th and 7th graders that introduces them to a broad range of engineering fields through hands-on projects, lab experiences, and leadership activities. Throughout the week, you will explore disciplines such as mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, and biomechanical engineering through lectures, engineering challenges, and hands-on makerspace sessions. Projects may include building a paper bridge, working with LED circuits, completing 3D printing activities, soldering, or tackling engineering design challenges such as Mars rover simulations. The schedule will also include guest speakers, student panels, and lab tours to help you learn about engineering pathways from professionals and members of the university community. In addition to technical activities, GLAMPing will include leadership and self-esteem lessons aimed at helping you build confidence and develop teamwork skills alongside STEM knowledge.
10. Florida Polytechnic University’s Phoenix STEM Academy
Location: Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL
Cost: $450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots available
Program dates: June 8 – 12 | June 22 – 26 | July 13 – 17 | July 20 – 24
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students; options are also available for elementary and high school students.Florida Polytechnic University’s Phoenix STEM Academy is a week-long summer program that provides middle school students with an immersive introduction to STEM through hands-on learning experiences. The track designed for middle school students will feature project-based activities that expose you to multiple STEM disciplines while building foundational skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. Instruction is led by university faculty and certified educators who cover STEM concepts through structured workshops and guided activities. Throughout the week, you will work on team-based projects and technical challenges designed to encourage deeper inquiry into scientific and engineering topics. Florida Poly student mentors and counselors will also support the program, providing additional guidance during lessons and activities.
11. GatorLabs @ University of Florida
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $300 + $25 non-refundable application fee; need-based scholarships available for students attending Florida high schools.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Students entering 7th or 8th grade in the fall who reside in the Alachua County area or within a 50-mile radius of the University of Florida
GatorLabs is a five-day camp where you will work alongside undergraduate and graduate science students and faculty researchers at the University of Florida campus to explore topics in science. The theme can change each year, with the camp’s recent focus being butterflies and moths, given its collaboration with the Florida Museum of Natural History. Outside sessions, you will spend time outdoors exploring the campus. The activities are designed to align with your grade level rather than focusing on science exploration at an accelerated pace. The schedule also includes social activities, letting you connect with peers.
12. FGCU’s Middle Schoolers' Summer Coding Camp
Location: FGCU campus, Fort Myers, FL
Cost: $250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited number of spots
Program dates: June 30 – July 3
Application deadline: June 6, or until the camp fills up
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9FGCU’s Middle Schoolers' Summer Coding Camp is a four-day summer program that introduces middle school students to computer science through hands-on coding and technology projects. A part of FGCU’s Coding Academy, the camp will include instruction in Python programming, allowing you to learn foundational coding concepts through guided exercises and practical applications. You will also work with interactive hardware tools such as mBOT, which you will assemble and program using Scratch programming, and Kano computer kits, which will let you build and program your own mini computer. These activities will combine programming instruction with robotics and hardware-based experimentation to help you apply coding concepts in tangible ways. The camp will also include presentations by members of the Arthrex Programming team, offering insight into how software development is applied in professional settings.
13. Pinellas County Schools Summer Enrichment Camps: STEM Track
Location: Various Pinellas County Schools, FL
Cost: $100/week (or $25 for students receiving lunch benefits)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited number of spots available
Program dates: July 13 – 16 | July 20 – 23
Application deadline: Multiple rounds of application; typically open till full
Eligibility: Middle school studentsPinellas County Schools Summer Enrichment Camps provide middle school students with a range of hands-on STEM learning experiences through themed summer camps offered across multiple schools in the county. Depending on the session you choose, you may dive into robotics, programming, engineering design, 3D printing, marine biology, biomedical engineering, forensic science, or neuroscience. Many camps will center on applied projects in which you will build prototypes, conduct experiments, or complete engineering and design challenges tied to real-world STEM concepts. Certain specialized tracks will include advanced experiences such as robotics competitions, invention showcases, forensic lab activities, and biological dissections. With multiple camp formats and subject areas available, the program will let you explore different STEM disciplines while developing technical and problem-solving skills in a structured school-based setting.
14. USF Middle School Cybersecurity
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: $450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students/session
Dates: June 8 – 12 | June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens February 1.
Eligibility: Rising 6th – 8th graders
The USF Middle School Cybersecurity Camp is a five-day program designed to introduce middle schoolers to the fundamentals of staying safe online and becoming a responsible digital citizen. You will explore real-world cybersecurity concepts through hands-on activities, challenges, and creative problem-solving, with each day focusing on a specific cybersecurity theme such as personal data, cloud security, and artificial intelligence. Topics covered include how data is created and protected, staying safe in online communities, cybersecurity tools like passwords and two-factor authentication, and how to use artificial intelligence responsibly. You will engage in exercises like training a simple AI model, going on an online scavenger hunt, and participating in a simulated cloud outage.
15. Camp Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
Location: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL
Cost: $450 + tax
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Multiple sessions throughout the summer
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 7 – 16Camp KSC is a five-day summer STEM program that introduces middle school students to space science and engineering through NASA-themed activities held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Throughout the week, you will participate in age-based programming that includes hands-on STEM challenges, engineering builds, and astronaut-training simulations designed around real space exploration concepts. Activities may include simulated spacewalks in a microgravity simulator, virtual reality exploration of Mars’s surface, Mars habitat emergency scenarios, botany lab work, and rover robotics challenges. The program will also feature mission-style simulations such as a mock spaceflight from Kennedy Space Center to Mars, allowing you to apply teamwork and problem-solving skills in collaborative scenarios. Since camp activities take place throughout the Visitor Complex, you will get to explore space science in an immersive aerospace environment built around actual spaceflight exhibits and simulation spaces.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best STEM programs for middle school students in Florida?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to robotics and engineering might consider USF's Middle School Robotics Camp or UCF's GLAMPing Camp, those interested in research might look at FGCU's Summer Research Opportunity or Lumiere's Junior Explorer Program, and those interested in space science might consider Camp Kennedy Space Center.
Are there free STEM programs for middle school students in Florida?
Yes, several programs are free, including FGCU's GEMS events, FGCU's Summer Research Opportunity, UCF's STEM Day, and Volusia County Schools Summer STEM Programs. Pinellas County Schools Summer Enrichment Camps are also very affordable at $100 per week, or $25 for students receiving lunch benefits.
Which Florida STEM programs focus on coding and artificial intelligence for middle schoolers?
FGCU's Middle Schoolers' Summer Coding Camp introduces Python and hardware tools like mBOT and Kano kits, Veritas AI's AI Trailblazers covers machine learning and AI ethics, and USF's Cybersecurity Camp includes an introduction to AI alongside digital safety concepts.
Do any Florida STEM programs for middle schoolers involve real university research?
Yes, FGCU's Summer Research Opportunity places students in a real research process at a field station, Lumiere's Junior Explorer Program pairs students one-on-one with PhD mentors for independent research, and GatorLabs involves working alongside UF undergraduate and graduate researchers.
Which Florida STEM programs are specifically focused on aerospace or space science?
Camp Kennedy Space Center is the most directly space-focused option, featuring mission simulations, Mars habitat scenarios, and rover robotics challenges at Kennedy Space Center, while UCF's GLAMPing Camp includes aerospace engineering as one of its rotating discipline modules.
When should I apply to STEM programs for middle school students in Florida?
Deadlines vary widely. UCF's GLAMPing Camp opens applications in March and fills on a rolling basis, USF Robotics and Cybersecurity camps open registration in February, and FGCU's Coding Camp closes June 6 or when full. Students should check individual program websites early in the spring semester.