8 Prestigious Summer Programs for Middle School Students
Summer programs designed for middle school students offer an opportunity to explore academic subjects in-depth, build strong foundational skills, and participate in hands-on learning. These programs can also help you shape your interests before transitioning to high school, making them valuable stepping stones for your future academics and career.
Summer programs also allow you to strengthen your resume with competitive experiences. Participating in a prestigious summer program, where an acceptance rate is below 10%, can provide a significant advantage. These selective programs not only enhance your profile but also allow you to connect with mentors and like-minded peers.
We’ve compiled a list of 8 prestigious summer programs for middle school students that offer rigorous academic challenges, hands-on projects, and unique learning opportunities. If you're looking for additional research opportunities and internships, we’ve covered a variety of free, online, paid, and region-specific programs for middle school students here.
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP) is a highly selective research experience for middle school students interested in AI and data science. You can work one-on-one with PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale, developing custom research projects based on your interests.
The program emphasizes independent research, critical thinking skills, project-based learning in AI and data science, and preparation for AI competitions and future academic research. JEP provides an exclusive mentorship experience, allowing students to gain hands-on research skills and explore advanced AI topics under the guidance of top-tier academics.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2400 (Need-based financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter)
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6–8) with a strong academic interest
The Penn GEMS summer camp is a one-week STEM program at the University of Pennsylvania, designed to introduce middle school students to the fundamentals of engineering, math, and science. Through hands-on workshops, lab activities, and mentorship from Penn faculty and graduate students, you can explore multiple engineering disciplines, including:
Bioengineering – Understanding the intersection of biology and technology.
Nanotechnology – Exploring tiny materials with big scientific impacts.
Materials Science – Investigating how materials shape modern engineering.
Computing – Learning about algorithms, programming, and problem-solving.
In addition to developing problem-solving skills, the program also supports diversity in STEM by encouraging underrepresented students in science and technology fields.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Acceptance rate: Limited spots available
Cost: $650 (Need-based financial assistance available)
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Rising 7th-9th graders attending a Philadelphia-area school with at least a B average GPA
The Veritas AI Trailblazers Program is a virtual, project-based AI course designed for middle school students eager to explore artificial intelligence and machine learning. The 25-hour curriculum introduces you to key AI concepts like Python programming and data analysis, Regression and image classification, Neural networks and AI ethics.
With a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, participants receive personalized instruction and project guidance. You can apply your knowledge through hands-on AI projects, such as, Building machine-learning models for music classification and Developing AI-driven recommendation systems. This program provides a strong introduction to AI and is ideal for students interested in coding, machine learning, and real-world AI applications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,990 (Need-based financial aid available)
Dates:
Spring cohort: 25 hours over 10 weekends
Summer cohort: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays only)
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6–8), no prior experience required
4. dynaMIT
dynaMIT is a free, week-long summer program at MIT, designed to ignite curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among middle school students. You will join hands-on activities, team-based challenges, and interactive projects that connect STEM concepts to real-world applications.
You will also visit MIT’s cutting-edge research labs, collaborate on problem-solving tasks, and work alongside mentors and instructors. At the end of the program,you will present your projects to your peers and mentors, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication and teamwork. The program also offers an opportunity to experience MIT’s academic culture firsthand, making it an exciting choice for you.
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate: Selective, limited spots available
Cost: Free
Dates:
August 11 – August 15 (rising 6th/7th graders)
August 18 – August 22 (rising 8th/9th graders)
Application deadline: TBD
Eligibility: Rising 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th graders
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) at Columbia University is a competitive, free summer program designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in STEM and medicine. The program provides a structured academic curriculum that includes science coursework, lab sessions, and career exploration workshops.
One of the standout features of S-PREP is BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia), which allows students to engage in mentored neuroscience research at Columbia University Medical Center (CUIMC). You will attend guest lectures, medical facility tours, and networking sessions with Columbia faculty, medical students, and healthcare professionals.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Acceptance rate: Competitive admissions
Cost: Free
Dates: July 8 – August 2
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12 who are New York State residents or permanent residents living in New York. Preference is given to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or underrepresented groups in STEM (Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native, or American Indian)
The Harvard Ed Portal Mentoring Program is a free, academic enrichment program that connects middle school students with Harvard undergraduate mentors for one-on-one guidance in STEM, the arts, and humanities. The program aims to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through personalized mentorship sessions and hands-on projects.
You will participate in interactive activities, structured learning experiences, and collaborative discussions while developing strong mentor-mentee relationships. The program fosters academic confidence and curiosity, encouraging you to explore your interests in an engaging and supportive environment. Harvard undergraduate mentors provide personalized support, helping you navigate academic challenges and explore future career possibilities.
Location: Harvard Ed Portal, Allston, MA
Acceptance rate: Limited spots available
Cost: Free
Dates: Sessions held in fall, spring, and summer (exact summer dates TBD)
Application deadline: Varies by session (check the official website for updates)
Eligibility: Middle school students from Allston-Brighton and surrounding communities
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a highly selective virtual program offering students the chance to explore single-subject study in a small, interactive classroom environment. The program hosts over 70 online summer courses, some specialized topics include:
Introduction to Data Science – Understanding how data is transforming industries and decision-making.
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) – Exploring user experience (UX) design and emerging technologies.
Programming Courses – Learning Java, C++, and Python for software development and AI applications.
Courses are ungraded and not for credit, allowing you to focus on in-depth learning without the pressure of exams or grades. The program fosters intellectual curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration with motivated peers worldwide.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,050
Dates:
Session One: June 16 – 27
Session Two: July 7 – 18
Application deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11
The Ulysses G. Grant Foundation at Yale University is a six-week summer program designed for highly motivated middle school students in New Haven, CT. The program strengthens your analytical and research skills, preparing you for academic success in high school and beyond. Courses are taught by Yale undergraduate instructors, and students choose between two academic tracks:
Humanities Track: Courses such as Race and Identity through the Arts, the Philosophy of Living, and the Fundamentals of Music encourage critical thinking and discussion.
Investigations Track: Includes hands-on learning in Community Building through Sustainability, Government Spending and Ethical Consumption, and Architectural Explorations.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Acceptance rate: Selective, small cohorts
Cost: $75 (Scholarships available)
Dates: June 23 – July 30
Application deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising 6th-9th graders currently studying in New Haven
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.
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