15 Summer Programs for Middle School Students in NYC
If you are a middle schooler, a summer program can be a great way for you to gain exposure in a subject of interest, explore new topics, and build practical skills beyond the classroom. Many of these programs focus on areas like science, technology, and engineering, where you can learn more about your interests from experienced mentors and meet like-minded peers.
In New York City, you’ll have access to a wide range of options hosted by universities, research institutions, and well-regarded organizations. These summer programs for middle school students in NYC often connect you with professionals and introduce you to college-level concepts early on.
In this list, we've reviewed and selected 15 summer programs for middle school students in NYC.
15 Summer Programs for Middle School Students in NYC
1. NYU Sounds of New York City (SONYC)
Location: New York University + Other institutions in NYC
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 15 (rolling)
Eligibility: Rising 7th-8th graders who are NYC residents
At SONYC, you’ll study how sound shapes daily life in urban spaces like New York. It is a hands-on program that focuses on noise pollution as both a scientific and public health issue. You’ll work with microcontrollers, sensors, and other electronics to build sound monitoring devices and investigate how noise impacts communities. Along the way, you’ll study sound waves, collect real-world sound data, and analyze its effects on human health and well-being. You’ll also take part in theater-based workshops led by Irondale to strengthen your communication and presentation skills. By the end of the program, you and your peers will present your smart city solutions at a showcase, applying STEM knowledge to real environmental challenges in NYC and merging science and creativity for thoughtful problem-solving.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (rolling)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
AI Trailblazers is a fully online experience where middle schoolers are introduced to foundational concepts in artificial intelligence through a mix of live instruction and project-based learning. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll build skills in Python coding, learn about data analysis, image classification, and explore how machine learning models make decisions. Past students have worked on projects like designing AI systems to recommend learning resources or identify music genres. You’ll be supported by mentors in small group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, allowing you to get feedback as you develop your own machine learning ideas. While the program is virtual, the tools and concepts you’ll encounter are fully real-world and challenge you to think about how AI can be applied responsibly.
3. Baruch College STEP Academy
Location: Baruch College, New York, NY
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 7 – 31 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: NYC residents in grades 7-12 with a minimum GPA of 83 overall and an 83 or above in math, science, and English courses; More details here
STEP Academy at Baruch College is a focused four-week summer program for middle and high school students interested in STEM careers. Funded by the New York State Education Department, it gives you the chance to explore advanced math and science topics through in-depth coursework, labs, and enrichment activities. You’ll enroll in a single course for the summer, allowing you to dive deeper into your subject area. The program ends with a virtual showcase where you present what you’ve learned to college faculty, family, and peers. In addition to academics, the program includes test prep, career panels, and college readiness workshops. Cultural field trips and special guest lectures round out the experience.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for each cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6-8
In the Lumiere Junior Explorer Program, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor from a leading research university to dive into a subject you're passionate about and complete a research or creative project over several weeks. The program is virtual and designed for students who want to explore topics more in-depth than they typically can in school, including STEM subjects such as engineering, data science, and more. You’ll meet regularly with your mentor, who might be a PhD student or academic from institutions like Harvard or Stanford, and work toward completing an independent project. If you’re looking for personalized academic exploration, this structure gives you direct access to expert guidance in a format tailored to your interests. You can find the application in the brochure!
5. NYU’s Science of Smart Cities (SoSC)
Location: New York University + Other institutions in NYC
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC rising 7th-8th graders
SoSC lets you examine how cities work and how they could work better. You’ll study electronics, sensors, environmental science, and programming to create technology-based solutions that make urban life more efficient and sustainable. Working in teams, you’ll design and prototype systems that respond to challenges like energy use, transportation, or waste management. Your group will present your final project at an end-of-program showcase, applying what you've learned to real-world urban issues. Through hands-on experimentation with circuitry and microcontrollers, you’ll get a feel for the engineering and design behind smart technologies. The summer program for middle school students in NYC also includes public speaking and improv sessions, helping you develop presentation skills alongside your technical work.
6. BEAM Pathway Summer Program
Location: Upstate New York
Cost: Free
Dates: July 6 – 27
Application Deadline: February – March
Eligibility: New York City 7th graders from underserved communities and low-income backgrounds
The BEAM Pathway Summer Program gives you the chance to live on a college campus for three weeks while exploring challenging math topics in a supportive community. You’ll spend about seven hours a day engaged in math through classes, group problem-solving sessions, and evening study time, with courses ranging from number theory and logic to applied areas like astrophysics and computer programming. Teachers and counselors stay on campus with you, joining you for meals and helping with both academic and residential life. Outside of math, you’ll take part in activities such as sports, arts and crafts, board games, and even things like slam poetry or math origami. Weekends include field trips and on-campus events, giving you time to balance rigorous academics with fun experiences.
7. NYU College and Career Lab
Location: NYU's Washington Square campus
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 15 – March 31
Eligibility: Current 7th or 8th graders attending a New York City public school can apply to the Exploratory Stage
CCL is a free, six-year academic program that starts in middle school and continues through high school, guiding you through academic exploration and career discovery. Each summer, you’ll spend four weeks at NYU attending classes and workshops in areas like neuroscience, law, business, and public health, all taught by university faculty. You'll also meet professionals from a range of industries, take part in field trips, and get exposure to the college experience through campus-based activities. Throughout the year, Saturday Practice Labs help you develop college-readiness skills like resume writing, networking, and interview preparation. The program’s structure includes an Exploratory Stage for younger students and an Immersive Stage for older students, allowing you to continue with more focused academic and career preparation as you advance.
8. The CCNY STEM Institute – The City College of New York
Location: CCNY campus
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 7 – August 7 (tentative)
Application Deadline: May 25 (tentative); Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 who reside or attend school within the five boroughs of New York City
During the STEM Institute at CCNY, you will get to choose from courses like robotics, game design, general chemistry, and financial literacy while working on hands-on projects that connect theory with real-world application. Each class includes a teaching assistant and instructor, providing academic support as you complete research-based assignments and group tasks. The program ends with a research symposium where you present your final project. Designed to meet state learning standards, this summer program for middle school students in NYC emphasizes exploration and creativity in STEM and the arts. It will help you gain experience with tools and ideas that could shape your academic interests in the years ahead.
9. Columbia University: State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 28 – August 8 (tentative)
Application Deadline: February 5 – April 15
Eligibility: 7th-12th graders interested in pursuing a career in medicine or related STEM fields; Should maintain an 80% grade average in math and science; More details here
S-PREP is a free academic enrichment program for students interested in pursuing careers in STEM or health-related fields. During the program, you’ll take math and science classes during either the summer session in July or on Saturdays during the academic year. Courses include anatomy, chemistry, physics, algebra, and even SAT and PSAT preparation. The program also offers counseling, college tours, and career development workshops that help you explore future academic and professional paths. If you're a returning student, you can apply for summer research opportunities with Columbia's research centers. S-PREP is designed to support students from underrepresented communities in building a strong foundation for college and beyond.
10. NYU’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Location: NYU Washington Square Campus
Cost: $350; Fee Waivers available for eligible students
Dates: July 5 – August 4 (tentative)
Application Deadline: April 25 (tentative)
Eligibility: New York State residents with a B average in Math, Science, and English; Must meet income criteria and be enrolled in grades 8-12
If you're looking to build long-term skills in STEM, NYU’s STEP is a solid academic program that runs year-round, with intensive coursework during the summer. You’ll study subjects like algebra, geometry, biology, and even prepare for standardized tests, all taught by NYU faculty and students. Beyond academics, the program offers college readiness support, career exploration, and opportunities to work on supervised research projects as you advance through middle and high school. For students from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, STEP helps develop the tools necessary to succeed in both academic settings and future STEM careers. You’ll also participate in seminars to build your English and communication skills in this summer program for middle school students in NYC.
11. Stony Brook University: Middle School Math Program
Location: Stony Brook University
Cost: $375
Dates: July 21 – 24
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-9 in September
If math interests you and you’re ready for something more advanced than regular classroom lessons, this program at Stony Brook University could be a good fit. It’s designed to challenge students with topics like algebra, geometry, rational numbers, statistics, and probability. The classes focus on hands-on activities and real-world problem solving to help you build fluency and confidence. For older students, the curriculum shifts to functions, factoring, and other core algebra concepts that prepare you for high school math. The learning environment encourages inquiry, collaboration, and persistence, especially for students entering or currently enrolled in Algebra. The program offers academic depth that makes it a strong option when considering summer programs for middle school students in NYC and nearby areas.
12. Stony Brook University: Science Exploration Program
Location: Stony Brook University
Cost: $675
Dates: June 30 – July 10
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7-9 in September
This science-focused summer program provides a lab-based experience where you'll dive into topics in biology, chemistry, microbiology, ecology, and biotechnology, depending on your grade level. Each session includes reading, writing, online research, and group work to help you connect hands-on experiments to broader scientific ideas. If you're entering 7th grade, you'll focus on developing lab skills through guided activities. Eighth-grade students work with case studies on environmental chemistry and genetics, while ninth graders take on more independent research in fields like molecular biology. Throughout this summer program for middle school students in NYC, you’ll sharpen your scientific thinking by forming hypotheses, running experiments, and presenting findings to your peers.
13. New York Tech Middle School Summer Maker Academy
Location: New York Tech’s Long Island campus or New York City campus
Cost: $250/program or session
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: May 6; Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
At the New York Tech Middle School Summer Maker Academy, you’ll get the chance to explore real-world challenges using technology while working alongside other students your age. The program includes two tracks: one focused on clean water and sanitation and the other on building sustainable cities. In the first, you work in teams to design and build a vehicle that can deliver clean water across an obstacle course, while in the second, you collaborate to create a small-scale, environmentally friendly “Smart City.” Both tracks connect directly to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and involve hands-on skills like 3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, and Arduino programming. Each program ends with team presentations and competitions that showcase the projects you’ve built.
14. Bard Math CAMP
Location: Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Cost: $500; Need-based scholarships are available
Dates: August 4 – 8
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-8 who love math
Bard Math CAMP is a summer enrichment program designed for students who want to study math in a more creative and collaborative setting. You’ll delve into mathematical ideas not typically covered in school, such as logic puzzles, combinatorics, or the intersection of math and art. The program takes place on the Bard College campus and is led by experienced educators and undergraduate math majors. Activities include hands-on group work, problem-solving sessions, and discussions that challenge you to think in new ways. This program has received recognition from national math organizations for its commitment to meaningful math enrichment. If you’re curious about how math can be explored outside of textbooks, it offers a supportive environment where experimentation and collaboration are central.
15. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program
Location: Online
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students from low-income backgrounds in grades 6-7 who reside in and attend school in the United States
SMSSP is a tuition-free program designed to help you explore challenging academics and prepare for selective high schools. You’ll begin with a three-week online summer course in July, followed by weekly virtual meetings through the fall semester. Instructors (many of whom hold PhDs) lead sessions on academic writing, math enrichment, growth mindset, and high school options. You’ll be part of a small cohort, with opportunities to collaborate with students from across the country while developing key skills in communication and inquiry. Families also take part in the process through orientation events and progress check-ins. The online summer program for middle school students in NYC is especially aimed at students from low-income backgrounds who want to build the tools and confidence to succeed in competitive academic settings.