10 Research Programs for Middle School Students
Research programs for middle school students offer a structured way to explore academic interests while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For students considering competitive high schools, STEM academies, or pre-college programs, early research experience can help build a strong foundation. These programs provide hands-on learning, mentorship from experts, and opportunities to work on real-world projects. Whether you are passionate about STEM or the humanities, research programs can refine your interests and introduce you to advanced concepts.
We've narrowed down a list of 10 research programs for middle school students that offer valuable learning experiences across various disciplines. If you're looking for additional opportunities, we've covered a host of free, online, paid, and region-specific research opportunities and internships for middle school students here.
The Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week immersive opportunity for middle schoolers to delve into their academic interests while creating a high school-level project under expert mentorship. Students explore multiple topics in their chosen track during the first four weeks, then focus on a specific area to build a personalized project over the remaining weeks. Weekly one-on-one mentor sessions provide tailored guidance, helping participants develop advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. Tracks include diverse fields such as Biology, AI, Environmental Studies, and Business, fostering interdisciplinary learning and passion-driven exploration.
Subject Areas: Biology, Medicine & Public Health; Mathematics; AI & Data Science; Engineering; Psychology
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Application Deadline: Rolling Deadlines
Program Dates: Varies according to cohort
Cost: $2400 (with need-based financial aid available)
The Wolfram Middle School Summer Camp is a one-week virtual program designed for middle school girls interested in programming and computational thinking. You’ll learn to code using Wolfram Language through hands-on exercises, coding challenges, and mini-projects. The curriculum includes specialist lectures from Wolfram Research employees and guest speakers on topics such as machine learning, computational poetry, and algorithmic problem-solving. The program also features social activities, including trivia, live coding competitions, and video game tournaments. The camp aims to build confidence in coding while fostering a collaborative and engaging remote learning environment.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 20 students
Cost: Paid program; need-based financial aid available
Dates: July 27–August 1
Application Deadline: Early Decision: February 28; Regular Decision: May 1; Waitlist open until July 1
Eligibility: Middle school students (ages 11–14) who identify as girls; no prior coding experience required, but interest in STEM is encouraged
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous projects done by students have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Fee: $1,990
Financial assistance: Need-based financial aid is available
Hosted by The Lawrence at UC Berkeley, the Summer Teen Research Programs offer middle school students hands-on experience in STEM fields. You will engage in research-based learning across topics such as animal behavior, biomedical innovations, satellite engineering, and solar energy. Each one-week session includes laboratory investigations, project-based activities, and opportunities to interact with scientists and engineers. You can choose to attend as commuters or opt for the residential add-on for a more immersive experience. The program is designed to introduce you to real-world scientific applications while developing your research and problem-solving skills.
Location: UC Berkeley, CA (with optional residential add-on)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: $1,465; financial aid available (10% and 90% discounts based on need)
Dates:
Session 1: June 23-27
Session 2: July 7-11
Session 4: July 21-25
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (Session 1 registration closes June 16; other sessions close June 29)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7-9; no prior experience required
The Sounds of New York City (SONYC) program introduces middle school students to the science of sound and its impact on urban environments. You’ll explore noise pollution and its public health consequences by sampling city sounds, studying sound waves, and building devices that monitor noise levels. The curriculum integrates engineering, computer science, and physics, giving students hands-on experience with microcontrollers, sensors, circuitry, and coding. Students also develop smart city technologies and present their projects at the program’s final expo. A unique component of the program is the Irondale improv workshop, which helps students enhance their public speaking and communication skills.
Location: New York, NY (NYU)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Free (full scholarship)
Dates: July 8 – August 4
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: NYC residents aged 12-14 with a strong academic record and interest in science
The Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) program at NYU introduces middle school students to engineering, computer science, and urban sustainability. You work in teams to design projects that use microcontrollers, sensors, coding, and circuitry to address real-world challenges. Through hands-on learning, students explore topics such as energy efficiency, environmental science, and urban technology. The program also includes Irondale, an improv-based communication workshop that helps students develop public speaking skills. Classes are held at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and are taught by NYU faculty and graduate students.
Location: New York, NY (NYU Tandon School of Engineering)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Free (full scholarship)
Dates: July 8 – August 2
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: NYC residents aged 12-14 with a strong academic record and interest in STEM
The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at NYU is designed to prepare middle and high school students in New York for academic and career success in STEM fields. The program offers enrichment courses in math, science, and English, along with Regents exam preparation, supervised research opportunities, and college admissions workshops. You’ll participate in project-based learning, career development activities, and mentorship programs led by NYU faculty and students.The program aims to support historically underrepresented students in STEM and health-related careers.
Location: NYU Washington Square Campus, New York, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: $200 ($100 per semester); fee waivers available for eligible students
Dates: October 19 – May 3
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; summer applications open March 1
Eligibility: New York State students in grades 7-12 with a strong academic record and interest in STEM
The Center for Talent Development (CTD) Summer Camp at Northwestern University offers one-week and three-week academic programs for middle and high school students seeking advanced coursework and enrichment opportunities. You can choose from a variety of subjects, including STEM, writing, technology, and leadership, with courses designed to challenge and accelerate learning. The program provides both residential and day camp options, allowing students to engage with master instructors, industry professionals, and like-minded peers. Residential students experience life on Northwestern’s campus, while all participants benefit from small class sizes, interactive coursework, and networking opportunities.
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: $990 - $6,000 (varies by course and session); financial aid available
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling; one week before session start date
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-12; admissions based on academic records, test scores, or teacher recommendations.
College Academy® and College Gate offers STEM-focused summer enrichment programs designed to foster creativity and critical thinking through hands-on, project-based learning. With a wide selection of courses from AI to marine biology, you’ll engage in challenging academic experiences while also building practical skills. Held at Stonehill College in Easton, MA, the program welcomes students from across New England and beyond. With a unique 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio in each course, the program encourages active engagement and supportive peer interaction among students.
Location: Stonehill College, Easton, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost:
Day Program: $1,100 for the full three-week session.
Day and Extended Day Program (Session 1 only): $1,400 for the three-week session.
Dates:
Session 1: July 7 to July 25
Session 2: July 28 to August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students currently in grades 4 to 8.
The UMB CURE Scholars Program is a long-term STEM pipeline initiative for middle and high school students in West Baltimore, aiming to prepare them for careers in biomedical research, health care, and STEM-related fields. The program offers after-school sessions, Saturday academies, summer enrichment, and mentorship opportunities. You will engage in hands-on learning in food science, anatomy, and coding/robotics. Special events, such as the White Coat Ceremony and STEM Expo, celebrate scholars' achievements and research progress.
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Free; includes mentorship, enrichment, and paid internships
Dates: Year-round programming with summer academy options
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-10 attending Franklin Square Elementary and Middle School, Green Street Academy, or Southwest Baltimore Charter School; must reside in West Baltimore and have an interest in STEM
Lydia is currently a senior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.