11 Summer Coding Programs for Middle School Students
If you're a middle school student passionate about coding and want to gain hands-on experience in the field, consider participating in a coding program!
Coding, also known as programming, is the process of writing instructions for computers to execute tasks. These instructions, written in programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript, tell the computer what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. With coding experience, you could contribute to various fields, including software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, game development, web development, mobile app development, robotics, cybersecurity, bioinformatics, financial analysis, and more.
Coding programs will allow you to apply your skills, learn from experts, and explore new avenues in your field of interest. Additionally, gaining practical experience as early as middle school will boost your profile for high school research programs or hackathons!
Here are 10 coding programs for middle school students, including both in-person and virtual options.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,790. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. The summer cohort applications typically close in May/June.
Dates: The AI Trailblazers runs for a total of 25 hours over 10 weekends. The summer cohort dates can be found here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6--8 can apply.
Veritas AI is an online program tailored for middle and high school students and founded and run by graduates from Harvard University. For middle schoolers interested in coding, there is the AI Trailblazers boot camp, where you’ll get to learn the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning, alongside foundational Python skills. You will engage in practical AI projects spanning fields such as medicine, finance, and autonomous vehicles under the guidance of mentors from leading universities.
During the program, you’ll get to build a foundation in AI & ML and learn about data analysis, and key topics in AI including exploratory data analysis, regression, and classification problems. You will also delve into some complex topics like image classification, neural networks, and why AI ethics matter. This option is particularly suitable for beginners.
Location: Live sessions via Zoom
Cost: $2,695
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: July 15 to August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Students aged 12 to 18 are eligible to apply.
If you are a middle school student who wants to explore how data is used in various areas, from social media trends to environmental changes, the Berkeley Coding Academy is a good option for you. The AI Applications program focuses on the Python code behind AI — You will learn to classify images, detect astronomical objects, recommend movies and music, generate text, and generate images to detect deep fakes. With a focus on Deep Learning, you’ll get to build CNNs, RNNs, LLMs, GANs, and more. During the program, you’ll also get to complete several mini-projects and a special final project of your choice.
Moreover, you will receive permanent access to the Berkeley Coding Academy suite which includes over 100 4K Data Science videos, over 100 Colab Notebooks, over 100 slides, and all additional materials that students and instructors create for this class. For the advanced cohort, proficiency in Python at the level of writing functions and accessing libraries via dot notation is required. However, the beginner cohort is for students who are new to coding/Python. You can select the cohort according to your preference on the application form.
Location: U.C. Berkeley Campus, CA
Cost: The tuition fee is $1,350 and the optional residential add-on cost is $1,150; the program offers a subsidized price for families in need with the tuition and residential fee reduced to $1,215 and $1,035 respectively. The tuition fee covers meals on campus; financial aid is also available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Dates: June 24–June 28, 2024
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th graders can apply.
The Lawrence Hall of Science at U.C. Berkeley is a unique research opportunity for middle school students looking to dive into the wonders of STEM firsthand! This one-week research program offers immersive experiences, hands-on experiments, and exciting campus tours designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for STEM. As a participant in this research program, you’ll get to experience engaging lab sessions, interactions with faculty and students, and exposure to diverse STEM career paths—the Lawrence program provides a dynamic learning environment for you to refine your technical skills.
If you’re interested in coding, you can apply to the Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites program where you’ll learn block-based coding and use it to overcome engineering challenges as you build and program your model satellite for deep space exploration. During the program, you’ll get to explore the iterative design process and deepen your knowledge of both our solar system and computer programming. You will end the week coding and building a model satellite of your imaginative creation.
By participating in this program, you’ll not only acquire knowledge but also gain invaluable skills across a spectrum of STEM areas. This program can equip you with a deeper understanding of programming and tangible experiences to enrich your future college and career journey significantly.
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA.
Cost: $400 to $650 per participant; Needs-based scholarships of up to 75% are available.
Application Deadline: The deadline varies depending on the program.
Dates: Varies depending on the program; typically from June to July.
Eligibility: Rising 6th–8th graders can apply.
Curated for middle school students, this program aims to give students a chance to enhance learning during the summer through hands-on activities at Georgia Tech! Summer P.E.A.K.S. covers topics like coding, 3D game design, engineering basics, data science, engineering, AI, psychology, film production, and more. You can register for the available courses here.
Programs are taught by a mixture of Georgia Tech faculty, staff, students, and area science and math teachers. By participating in this program, you can choose from a variety of courses based on your interest — you can learn to code, investigate energy generation, follow industrial engineers, and even study film production! You can check out an in-depth review of the CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S. here.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free for all accepted participants.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: July 8–August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Students who live in New York City and are aged 12–14 years can apply.
The Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) is a comprehensive three-week program on utilizing computer science, engineering, and technology to make cities more safe and sustainable. Through interactive activities, you’ll get to delve into topics like coding, physical sciences, and urban planning. You will also learn how science and engineering address real-world problems with innovative solutions, including the use of microcontrollers, sensors, circuitry, and electronics.
Mentored by NYU School of Engineering students, you’ll get to build smart city models while incorporating the various STEM concepts you’ve learned. The program ends with a final presentation, where you will present your creative solutions and projects to experts and the public. The SoSC can help you enhance STEM skills and awareness, preparing you for future roles in city planning and technology.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free for all accepted participants.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: July 8–August 2, 2024; Orientation on June 28 via Zoom.
Eligibility: Students who live in New York City and are aged 12–14 years can apply.
The Sounds of New Your City (SONYC) program at NYU is an innovative platform designed to introduce students to the study of noise pollution, a significant quality-of-life issue in urban areas, especially NYC. This 3-week summer program involves projects where you’ll get to work with sensors, microcontrollers, circuits, and other real-world tools to monitor and understand urban noise pollution. You will also study the public health impacts of noise, learn about sound waves, and build devices to monitor and mitigate noise pollution.
During the program, you will gain practical STEM skills as you delve into the engineering and physical science aspects of sound, including coding and electronics. The program culminates in an end-of-program expo where you will present your projects among your mentors and peers. SONYC also offers a unique theater-based component, Irondale, which uses improvisation to enhance communication and public speaking skills.
Location: UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA
Eligibility: Open to all students aged 7-17 years.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.
Dates: All camps run between June 10 and August 2, 2024 (Dates vary for different camps).
Cost: $1,299–$1,699 (Day Camp) | $2,098–$2,498 (Overnight Camp)
iD Tech collaborates with top universities nationwide to offer coding, game creation, robotics, and design programs for children and teenagers on their campuses. Designed for different age ranges and skill levels, iD Tech's summer tech camps ensure a comprehensive learning environment that goes beyond just screen time.
With a commitment to small class sizes—no more than 8 students per instructor—the camps delve into STEM topics such as Java, C++, Python, and Scratch programming, mobile app development for both iPhone and Android, Minecraft, game creation, robotics using VEX and LEGO, 3D modeling, filmmaking, photography, and website design. Check out the complete list of camps and their availability here. The emphasis is on practical, collaborative learning. Participants not only engage with their peers but also experience a taste of college life, building confidence, skills, and connections that last beyond the summer.
Location: STEM Academy @ Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: Each camp has a different fee ranging from $60 to $320. Needs-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the camp selected.
Dates: All camps will be conducted between June and August
Eligibility: Rising 6-8th graders can apply.
The Oregon State University’s STEM Academy offers various summer camps for middle school students. This program aims to foster higher college attendance rates and encourage participation in STEM fields. If you’re interested in coding, you can choose from several options, which include:
ActivityBots Camp: Here, using the ActivityBot 360 robot kits, you will learn how to build and code a robot that is smart enough to make its way around a room on its own. Each team of two will work together to move their robot through remote control navigation while learning about touch, visible light, infrared light, and ultrasonic sensors.
Making with Microcontrollers: Here, using the micro: bit microcontroller you will learn to build and program physical devices that can interact with your environment in a variety of ways.
Making Arcade Games: Here, you’ll learn how to code by creating arcade-style games using the MakeCode programming platform, which has both block and text-based (javascript) programming support.
Flying Robots Camp – Wonderful World of Drones: Here, you’ll learn all about drones—how they fly, how they are used in research, and how you can program and fly them too.
Certain programs also include field trips and hands-on learning experiences to enrich students' educational journeys. Some camps run for a single day while other camps run throughout the week from Monday to Friday.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,975. Limited need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June or whenever slots fill up.
Dates: June 17–July 26, 2024 (6 weeks)
Eligibility: 8th-12th graders can apply.
The MehtA+ Machine Learning Bootcamp offers middle school students a comprehensive introduction to the world of data science. Led by engineers from MIT and Stanford, this virtual 6-week camp provides a university-level experience starting from foundational concepts and progressing to advanced topics in AI, machine learning, and deep learning.
You’ll gain crucial skills throughout the program, from grasping the mathematical underpinnings of various models to mastering the training of complex AI models from scratch. The camp concludes with collaborative interdisciplinary research projects, where you will work in teams to address cutting-edge challenges in fields like medicine, economics, and linguistics. By presenting your research papers and posters at conferences, you will get a chance to showcase your work to university professors and potentially publish in research journals. The curriculum encompasses a wide array of subjects, including Python programming, machine learning libraries, ethical considerations, and research methodologies.
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA; some programs are offered virtually.
Cost: Courses range from $175 to $450; Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May for all courses.
Dates: 4-day sessions are held every week between July 8 and August 2, 2024; available courses differ from week to week; students can choose only one course per week.
Eligibility: Open to all middle and high school students.
The Sally Ride Science Academy Summer Program provides engaging workshops spanning various topics. From core STEM areas such as computer science, robotics, engineering, and biology, to specific fields like filmmaking, business, financial literacy, or gemology. If you’re interested in coding, you can participate in workshops such as Middle School: Android App Design, where you’ll learn the basics of Android app design and event-driven programming, or Middle School: Raspberry Pi where you will learn to use Python scripting to code a variety of fun apps with Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer board that plugs into a monitor and allows people anywhere to explore computing.
Guided by experienced educators and scientists, the interactive sessions aim to foster your academic interests, enhance your critical thinking abilities, and encourage teamwork through projects. Both in-person and online sessions of three hours each are available depending on your chosen course. Faculty from the university teach the different courses offered, giving you a chance to learn first-hand from college professors, sample undergraduate life, and make connections with them. The program allows you to attend multiple courses during the summer and gain experience in a variety of fields. You can read our in-depth review of the Sally Ride Science Academy Summer Program here.
Location: Multiple locations. Virtual camp options are also available.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions are available between June and August.
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive teens between the ages of 13-18 years with an interest in the field of technology. No prior coding experience is required.
Kode with Klossy offers free 2-week-long coding-intensive camps designed for students of traditionally underrepresented genders in the STEM fields. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of coding and encourages participants to explore the field as a career path. During the program, you will work in one of four courses — Web Development, Mobile App, Machine Learning, or Data Science.
You will engage in hands-on activities, like creating your own mobile app and training machine learning models. The camp is an excellent opportunity to hear from women in technology who join as speakers and to network among like-minded individuals. You can fill out the application form to join the waitlist!
One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Comments