15 STEM Research Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a middle school student looking to explore STEM before high school, joining a research program can be a solid first step. These programs let you move beyond textbooks by working on projects, analyzing data, and using skills like coding, engineering design, or lab techniques.
STEM research programs taken on in middle school are often easier to access and cost less than high school options. You will work with mentors, use industry tools, and explore different STEM fields before deciding what to study further. Getting research experience early can also help when applying for competitive academic programs in high school or college, or even while trying your hand out at science fairs.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 15 STEM research programs for middle school students!
15 STEM Research Programs for Middle School Students
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week research experience for middle school students guided by mentors from universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. In the first four weeks, you explore different topics within your chosen field. Weeks 5 and 6 focus on a single topic for deeper understanding.
In the final two weeks, you develop a project based on your research with mentorship support. The program helps you build research skills, apply knowledge through hands-on projects, and deepen your academic interests. You can find the application form here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1990 (Financial aid is available)
Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18
Program Dates: The upcoming cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 can apply.
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program where you learn the fundamentals of AI and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will explore Python, data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics.
You learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Past projects include building machine-learning models to classify music genres and creating AI algorithms for personalized educational resources.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,790. Need-based financial aid is available
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines.
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.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley offers Summer Teen Research Programs for middle and high school students. You can choose from four week-long programs focused on Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations, Designing and Engineering Bridges, Solar Energy and Electrical Engineering, and Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites.
You will work on experiments, analyze data, and use industry tools to understand how these fields function. Both commuter and residential options are available, making it easier to participate based on your schedule.
Location: The Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley, CA
Cost: Tuition for any of the four programs was $1,350, and for the residential option, there was a $1,150 add-on fee. Limited half-and full-price financial aid assistance is available to families with financial need.
Application Deadline: Rolling registration dates. More information here.
Program Dates: One week in June.
Eligibility: Open to all middle school and high school students in the U.S.
The Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a two-week residential program for middle school students. You will take one accelerated course, spending five hours a day on hands-on learning and research. Course options include Forensic Science, Human Body Systems, Game Design, Engineering, and Law.
In Forensic Science, you will analyze evidence and learn crime-solving techniques. In Engineering, you will work on structural design projects. Each course includes experiments, projects, and problem-solving activities, helping you apply what you learn in real-world scenarios. You will stay on campus, exploring university resources and working with instructors who will guide you through your projects.
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, WI
Cost: $1,370 per session
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: June 15–20 | June 22–27
Eligibility: Current 6th to 8th-grade students!
College Academy is a research-based summer program designed for students who want a fast-paced, challenging academic experience. You will take STEM-focused courses, including Marine Biology, Advanced Robotics, Rocketry, and Game Design. Each course includes hands-on projects and research, where you will work with peers to solve problems and explore complex topics.
With a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio, you will get direct support while working on your projects. The program focuses on collaboration and practical learning, helping you build research and problem-solving skills.
Location: Stonehill College, MA
Cost: $1,100 for the day program. $1,400 for the day and extended day program.
Application Deadline: Rolling applications, based on first come first serve.
Program Dates: July 7 — 25 | July 28 — August 15
Eligibility: Current 4th to 8th-grade students can participate!
P.E.A.K.S. is a summer program at Georgia Tech where middle school students work on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) projects through hands-on research and problem-solving. Over one to two weeks, you’ll take on real-world challenges linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on engineering, environmental science, coding, and design.
You will work on experiments, build prototypes, and analyze data, applying STEAM concepts to real problems. You’ll learn from scientists, engineers, and designers, who will guide you through research and project development. Whether you're coding a simulation, designing a structure, or testing materials, you’ll gain experience in critical thinking and problem-solving.
Location: Georgia Tech campus, GA
Cost: $550 for 5-day programs. $440 for 4-day programs.
Application Deadline: Rolling. Check program availability here!
Program Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the summer. More details here.
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 8th grade students
The School of Sustainable Cities (SoSC) in New York is a three-week summer program where middle school students work on research projects in energy, engineering, computer science, and urban/environmental science. You will use advanced lab facilities to conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop independent research projects.
You will also work with local organizations, applying your research to actual community issues. This might involve studying renewable energy solutions, designing smart city models, or analyzing environmental data. The program includes experiments, field research, and data collection, where you might test water quality, map urban heat islands, or model renewable energy systems. You'll see how science and technology are used to solve real problems in city planning and sustainability.
Location: New York University, NY
Cost: Full Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 29 (tentative, based on the previous year’s dates)
Program Dates: July 8 - August 2 (tentative, based on the previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Applicants must be between 12 and 14 years old when applying to the program.
Georgetown University’s Medical Research Program introduces middle school students to how medical studies are designed, conducted, and analyzed. You will learn research methods used in clinical trials, exploring topics like biostatistics, epidemiology, and evidence-based medicine.
The program offers 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week sessions, where you will develop your own research project while working with experienced professionals. Each session ends with a Capstone Project, where you will create a video explaining how the scientific method applies to clinical trials. You will also examine the ethics of medical research and how clinical studies drive advancements in healthcare.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Application Deadlines: Dates vary depending on the length and dates of the program chosen
Program Dates: Vary by program; deadlines are usually 7 days before the start date.
Eligibility: For students ages 13 and above
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) at Columbia University is for students interested in medicine and STEM fields, with a focus on supporting underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in science careers. The program, funded by the New York State Education Department, offers courses in calculus, statistics, biochemistry, and brain & cognitive science.
Participating in S-PREP can also open doors to future research opportunities. Students who complete the program become eligible for Columbia’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York (BRAINYAC) and the HICCC Cure Program, which provide hands-on experience in medical and neuroscience research.
Location: Columbia University campus, NY
Cost: None
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: For the summer session, classes take place Monday through Friday during July. During the academic year, classes are held on Saturdays from October to May.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in Grades 7 to 12, reside in New York State, and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds benefitting from academic enrichment.
Rice University’s R-STEM Institute offers summer programs for middle and high school students interested in computer science, energy, computer-aided design, 3D printing, biotech, and physics. The specific courses change each year, giving you opportunities to explore different STEM fields through hands-on projects and research.
One of these programs, iRIDE (Introduction to Research and Innovative Design in Engineering), is a week-long engineering experience for 6th and 7th graders. You will work on a capstone project that tackles real-world challenges in your community and present your findings at the end of the program. iRIDE is a paid program with limited scholarships available.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $499/week for the iRIDE program
Application Deadline: Until seats are filled.
Dates: Varies based on the program. More information here.
Eligibility: Open to current grade 6 & 7 students
The Aggie STEM program at Texas A&M University offers week-long STEM programs for students from elementary to high school. You can join day programs throughout the summer or enroll in Exploring STEM Week, which provides a more in-depth look at different STEM fields.
Exploring STEM Week runs in four sessions and covers robotics, rockets, coding, and engineering design. While it’s not a direct research program, it builds a strong foundation for future STEM studies. You will also tour STEM labs on the Texas A&M campus, seeing firsthand how researchers and engineers work on real-world challenges.
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Cost: All programs are paid and the final cost is shown after completing the registration.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by project.
Dates: The Explore STEM Week takes place from June through July
Eligibility: Rising 6th–8th graders can apply.
The Science Club at Northwestern University gives middle school students hands-on experience with STEM research through mentored projects in areas like food science, neuro-sports, and environmental science. You will conduct experiments on nutrition and food chemistry, study brain function in athletes, and analyze environmental data to understand how science applies to real-world problems.
The program focuses on research skills such as experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. You will use lab equipment, scientific software, and field research methods to investigate your chosen topic. Mentors, including Northwestern scientists and graduate students, will guide you through the research process.
Location: Virtual or in member schools
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications here. Deadline unspecified.
Program Dates: Fall: September to December | Winter: January to March | Spring: April to June
Eligibility: Current middle school students
The Science Exploration Program at Stony Brook University is a summer program for students entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. You will work on research projects, lab experiments, and problem-solving activities to explore topics in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental science. Each grade level follows a different curriculum designed to build your science and research skills.
If you are in 7th grade, you will practice basic lab techniques and simple experiments. 8th graders will study cholera outbreaks, bioremediation, and genetics through case studies and hands-on investigations. 9th graders will focus on experimental design, data analysis, and advanced lab work, preparing them for more in-depth research.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $675
Application Deadline: First come, first serve.
Program Dates: June 30 — July 10
Eligibility: For students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade.
The UMB CURE Scholars Program is a year-round STEM initiative for middle and high school students in West Baltimore. It prepares you for careers in research, healthcare, and STEM fields through hands-on activities, mentorship, and academic support. You will work with scientists, medical professionals, and educators who will help you build research skills and explore different career paths. The program offers three tracks: Anatomy, Chemistry, and Robotics. As a middle school scholar, you will learn how to conduct a literature review, analyze scientific data, and develop essential research skills.
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore, and others as per project requirements
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: Year-round program
Eligibility: Baltimore students in grades 6–12; preference is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Summer Research Institute at the Women’s Alliance in STEM and Humanities is a student-run program for middle and high school girls who want to explore research in science, technology, engineering, arts, and humanities. You’ll work on real research projects with university faculty and grad students, learning how to analyze data, design experiments, and tackle big questions in your field. Each week, you’ll also take part in 2–3 hour workshops that break down both the basics and cutting-edge topics.
This summer, you can choose from courses like Introduction to Number Theory, where you’ll dive into primes, modular arithmetic, and cryptography; Computational Neuroscience, where you’ll use Python and data science to model the brain; or Demystifying Deep Learning, which covers how AI and neural networks work. By the end, you’ll have a research project of your own, with mentors helping you figure out the next steps.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 21
Dates: June 22 — July 27
Eligibility: Students identifying as female in grades 6–12.
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Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.