15 Summer Programs for Middle School Students in Los Angeles
If you are a middle school student, summer programs are a practical way to gain exposure to practical skills and explore potential career paths and interests. Many of these opportunities are designed to combine learning with practical experiences, such as lab research, coding projects, or creative arts workshops. These are learning experiences beyond the classroom, often led by researchers and experts.
Various reputable organizations and universities in Los Angeles run summer programs for middle school students. If you live in Los Angeles, you might avoid long-distance travel with these local programs. You can not only enhance academic knowledge but also build valuable connections with mentors and peers.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down 15 summer programs available for middle schoolers in Los Angeles.
1. Pasadena City College Math Academy
Location: PCC Community Education Center in Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th graders with demonstrated proficiency in math
Math Academy is a free summer program in LA for middle school students, offering daily, in-person sessions designed to strengthen your foundational and intermediate math skills. You’ll engage in problem-solving labs and exam-style practice, with the option to choose courses such as math basics, pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. In classes of about 25 students, you’ll explore concepts like integers, word problems, variables, graphing, polynomials, the Pythagorean theorem, 2D and 3D figures, exponents, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a letter grade reflecting your progress and experience college-level coursework and campus life, all at no cost. Along the way, you’ll gain confidence in applying math to real-world problems and build a strong foundation for future academic growth.
2. Veritas AI Trailblazers
Location: Online
Cost: Varies, full financial aid available
Dates: June 8 – August 10 (just weekends) | June 9 – 20 (weekdays) | July 14 – 25 (weekdays); 25 hours total, either spread across 10 weekend sessions or condensed into two weeks of weekday sessions
Application Deadline: The applications for the upcoming Summer Cohort II close on June 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no prior experience required
The AI Trailblazers program gives middle schoolers the chance to build foundational skills in artificial intelligence. You will be guided by PhD-level mentors from top universities throughout the program. In the first few weeks, you will learn AI concepts, data analysis, machine learning, and Python basics in small group sessions. Weeks 3 to 5 focus on deep-learning techniques and dataset analysis, while weeks 8 to 10 are dedicated to completing a group AI project, such as creating a voice assistant for education or developing a crime-prediction model. Throughout the program, you will receive detailed feedback from your mentor and peers. After completing Trailblazers, you can advance to the AI Junior Fellowship, where you will work one-on-one with an AI expert to develop an original model or research paper.
3. Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp at USC
Location: University of Southern California (USC) main campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 14 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 8th graders with at least a B grade average in science and math
The Summer Engineering Camp provides middle schoolers with opportunities to explore engineering fields and learn coding. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with Northrop Grumman engineers and USC faculty on projects in circuitry, aircraft design, structural modeling, environmental systems, mechanical fabrication, and basic app development. Along the way, you will gain insights into aerospace, electrical, mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering. You will also take part in daily workshops focused on coding and engineering fundamentals, as well as tours of the university’s research facilities. At the end of camp, you’ll participate in a team design showcase and gain feedback from industry professionals.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Online
Cost: $2690, Financial aid available
Dates: Eight-week sessions run throughout the year; Summer Cohort I begins June 2, Cohort II begins July 14
Application deadline: June 23 for the Summer Cohort; multiple deadlines year-round.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8; no prior experience required
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program pairs you with a PhD-level mentor from a leading university, selected from a network of over 1,400 experts across 35 countries. You can choose from 12 specialized tracks covering tech, science, math, engineering, business, social sciences, and medical sciences. Each week includes an “Exploration” module followed by project time, where you identify a research question and create a high school-level deliverable, such as a report or slide presentation. The program is designed to build skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation within a structured, college-style research timeline. Over eight weeks, you will present your project to your mentor and peers for feedback. With a 13% acceptance rate, the program is selective, receiving over 1,500 applications for just 200 spots in past cohorts.
5. Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) Summer Programs
Location: All LAUSD school sites; in-person and online programs available
Cost: Free
Dates: June 17 - July 16
Application deadline: Open enrollment; registrations begin April 9
Eligibility: All LAUSD students in grades K-12, including 6th–8th graders
LAUSD’s Summer of Learning programs give you free access to academic support and enrichment opportunities as a middle or high school student. On your school campus, you can strengthen your skills in core math and English classes or join the Beyond the Bell program, where you’ll take part in small-group activities that combine academics with physical, creative, and social-emotional learning. If you prefer online options, the Virtual Enrichment Program offers live classes in areas like guitar, game design, animation, dance, music, world languages, and STEM. If you’re an incoming sixth-grader, you can also join Summer Bridge workshops to get comfortable with your new campus, teachers, and routines. Throughout the program, you’ll practice mindfulness, join group discussions, and collaborate with peers to build your social-emotional skills.
6. Inner-City Arts Summer Institute
Location: Inner-City Arts campus, Downtown LA, CA
Cost: $20 registration fee + $250 tuition; full fee waivers available for students from qualifying families
Dates: June 16 - 27
Application deadline: April 12
Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th graders from LA schools
Inner-City Arts offers two-week Summer Institutes for middle and high schoolers, focusing on visual, media, and performing arts. You will select from specialized workshops in areas like ceramics, rock band, digital media, screenwriting, and theatre, and learn from professional teaching artists in a small cohort of 15–20 students. You’ll take part in mid-program showcases and a final “open studio,” where you can present your work to peers, mentors, and family. You will also get one-on-one mentorship on portfolio development and exploring career paths in the arts. The program helps you refine artistic skills, grow your creative network, and understand how to pursue arts opportunities.
7. After-School All-Stars – Los Angeles Summer Programs
Location: School and community sites throughout LA
Cost: Free
Dates: Typically June - August; exact schedules vary by site. Check the local ASAS chapter’s website for details or check with your school.
Application deadline: Varies by location; you can check the local ASAS chapter’s website for details, or check with your school
Eligibility: Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Title I middle schools (where 50% or more students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch under the federal program)
After-School All-Stars runs summer programs for middle school students in Los Angeles that focus on five areas: STEM, visual and performing arts, health and wellness, career exploration, and academic support. You’ll join a small group at a local school or community center and take part in daily activities such as coding and robotics, filmmaking or dance, sports or mindfulness, and career panels with local professionals. The sessions are hands-on and project-based, with social-emotional learning woven into the experience. You’ll work closely with your peers, get direct feedback from instructors, and finish the summer by presenting a project that highlights what you’ve learned. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore new interests and build confidence in both academic and creative skills.
8. BEAM Discovery
Location: Rise Kohyang Middle School in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free (includes meals, transportation, and materials)
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Grade 6 students; preference for students from low-income middle schools in Koreatown, Pico-Union, Boyle Heights, South LA. Check here for more information on financial eligibility.
The Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) Discovery program is a tuition-free, five-week summer program in Los Angeles designed for high-potential middle school students from underserved backgrounds. The program offers classes in four core areas—logical reasoning, math fundamentals, math team strategies, and applied mathematics—along with dedicated “Open Math Time” to tackle challenging, hands-on problems beyond the standard school curriculum. You can take part in collaborative games, structured exercises, field trips, and enrichment activities. Beyond the summer, BEAM provides continued support through academic enrichment, high school guidance, and long-term STEM mentorship.
9. USC Viterbi Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp
Location: University of Southern California (USC) main campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 14 – July 25
Application deadline: May 5
Eligibility: Rising 6–8th graders with a minimum B average in science and math; priority consideration given to active Mission Science, MESA, and Engineering
Transformers students, as well as USC K–12 STEM Center partner school students
The Summer Engineering Camp, hosted at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, provides 32 middle schoolers with opportunities to explore different engineering fields. During the camp, you’ll work alongside USC faculty and Northrop Grumman engineers on hands-on projects in areas such as aircraft design, structural modeling, circuitry, environmental systems, mechanical fabrication, and basic app development. Through these activities, you will gain insights into civil, electrical, aerospace, environmental, and mechanical engineering. Daily workshops will teach core coding and engineering concepts, while tours of USC research facilities will give you exposure to real-world engineering applications. At the program’s conclusion, you will join your peers in a team-based design showcase evaluated by industry professionals.
10. Lavner Education's UCLA Camp Tech Revolution
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Varies depending on the camp you apply for. There is an annual registration fee of $79
Dates: June 16 - August 22 (Week-long program, exact dates vary by camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students aged 6-16 years
At Camp Tech Revolution at UCLA, you’ll engage in weekly STEM camps featuring topics like Robotics, Coding, Game Design, and Artificial Intelligence. Each camper focuses on one subject per week, building real-world skills through hands-on, project-based learning. The program offers over 60 tech camps, taught by carefully selected instructors, with a camper-to-staff ratio of approximately 1:4 to 1:8. The curriculum is tailored for beginners to advanced learners, allowing you to deepen skills at your own pace. Alongside academics, you'll enjoy outdoor activities, themed events, and final project showcases.
11. Pathways to Stem Cell Science Stem Cell Science Research Program
Location: Pathways to Stem Cell Science Facility, Torrance, CA
Cost: $895
Dates: July 21 – July 25 and August 11 - August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: 7th - 9th Grades
In the Stem Cell Research Program, you explore advanced biological research through hands-on experimentation in a biotech laboratory. You will work in small teams to investigate the regenerative powers of “The Flash,” applying concepts of hypothesis formation, experimental design, and data analysis. Guided by professional scientists, you will practice advanced lab techniques, optimize assays, and troubleshoot experiments. The curriculum combines science, math, IT, and public speaking to help you build interdisciplinary skills. By the end, you will present your findings in a poster session and earn a certificate of completion. The experience also provides early exposure to real-world biotechnology and STEM careers.
12. Model UN Institute Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $1,698 - $3,148
Dates: July 20 - July 26 (Overnight camp); July 21 - July 25 (Day camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Ages 11-13 by the start of the program
The Model UN Institute Summer Camp, part of the summer programs for middle school students in Los Angeles, offers an immersive experience in public speaking, global politics, and diplomatic debate. Through interactive lessons, you’ll develop skills in crafting speeches, negotiating, and forming alliances. The curriculum includes modules like debating in polarized settings, improvisation, and writing UN-style resolutions. You’ll participate in three MUN simulations, each focused on a unique country and topic. Mentors will provide personalized feedback to help you meet your communication goals.
13. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer session: July 7 – July 25, Weekly fall semester meetings: August 27 – December 10
Application deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students entering 6th and 7th grades who are U.S. citizens; priority given to applicants from low-income households
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program provides free education and career readiness opportunities for middle schoolers. You will begin with a three-week online course focused on advanced math, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. From late August through December, you’ll attend weekly virtual seminars to build on your summer learning. The program also includes writing modules, research sessions, and collaborative projects to strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. Throughout, you’ll receive feedback from Stanford instructors and connect with peers nationwide to prepare for high school.
14. Kode With Klossy’s Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application deadline: Not specified, typically by the end of March
Eligibility: Women and gender-expansive youth between the ages of 13 and 18
Kode With Klossy provides free coding camps for students from underrepresented genders in STEM. You may choose from four tracks: Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, or Data Science. No prior coding experience is needed to join. The program offers hands-on experience with programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Swift. Through project-based learning, you will use practical coding skills to tackle real challenges. By the end of the camp, you will have a portfolio showcasing your own websites, mobile apps, data analyses, or machine learning models.
15. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080
Application deadline: March 20
Dates: Session 1 (June 16 – June 2), Session 2 (July 7 – July 18)
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
At Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, you will join an online academic enrichment program. You will select one course from more than 70 options, covering subjects such as computer science, engineering, and others. Options include classes like Introduction to Java Programming and Introduction to C++. The courses are non-credit and ungraded, enabling focused exploration in a relaxed environment. You will participate in live, small-group sessions, engaging in interactive discussions with instructors and peers. You will also work on coding exercises and projects to develop practical experience.