15 Free Summer Camps for Middle School Students
Summer is a chance to explore your interests, build new skills, and discover what future careers might be right for you. If you are a middle school student, free summer camps will give you hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom.
What do free summer camps for middle schoolers involve?
Many programs focus on areas such as science, technology, entrepreneurship, the arts, and leadership. Along the way, you will develop practical skills like problem-solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork, skills that can help if you decide to start your own projects or ventures in the future.
Why pursue a free summer camp in middle school?
Another major benefit is the opportunity to learn from mentors and connect with like-minded students who share your interests. These experiences also demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and commitment, which can strengthen future college applications.
To help you find the right opportunity, we have narrowed down our list to the 15 free summer camps for middle school students. For related opportunities, check out our guides on online summer camps for middle school students and summer programs in NYC for middle school students.
Quick Look
15 fully free programs, spanning STEM, math, cybersecurity, conservation, and entrepreneurship.
1 fully virtual, entrepreneurship-focused program: the Junior Innovator Program, which pairs you with one-on-one mentorship as you build a real project.
6 programs restricted by state or regional residency: dynaMIT (Massachusetts), National Summer Transportation Institute, Summer Physics Camp (New Mexico or East Hawai'i), Action for Conservation (England and Wales), S-PREP (New York State), and College and Career Lab (NYC public schools).
2 programs designed for underrepresented groups in STEM: BEAM Discovery and Kode With Klossy, both focused on students from underrepresented backgrounds or genders in tech.
Most programs run one to five weeks over the summer, though the Junior Innovator Program offers flexible start dates throughout the year.
15 Free Summer Camps for Middle School Students
1. dynaMIT
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Week 1 - August 17 – 21 (rising 6th/7th graders) & Week 2 - August 24 – 28 (rising 8th/9th graders)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Massachusetts middle school students (rising 6th-9th grade)
At dynaMIT, you will spend a week on the MIT campus exploring science, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities. You will work closely with MIT undergraduate and graduate student mentors who will guide experiments, projects, and daily challenges. Each day focuses on a different STEM area, including chemistry, biology, physics, earth and space science, computer science, and math. Activities may include coding projects, cryptography, bottle rockets, plasma demonstrations, and other interactive experiments. Through teamwork and problem-solving, you will build practical STEM skills while learning from MIT students.
2. Junior Innovator Program
Location: 100% virtual, with one-on-one mentorship and interactive events
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Flexible start dates; vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to middle school students
The Junior Innovator Program is a virtual entrepreneurship incubator program where you develop an actual project that solves a problem you care about. Over the course of the program, you take your idea from curiosity to creation by applying principles of entrepreneurship, pitching, and business thinking in a structured, hands-on setting. You work through one-on-one mentorship sessions that cover ideation, market thinking, and foundational business concepts, while also participating in fireside chats, remote socials, and group discussions with a global cohort of student founders. Throughout the experience, you receive mentorship from entrepreneurs and professionals with backgrounds at organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey, helping you understand how innovation and venture-building work in practice. You refine your communication and leadership skills by presenting your project and incorporating feedback from peers and mentors.
3. National Summer Transportation Institute
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9 who have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and have completed or are qualified to enroll in pre-algebra
At the National Summer Transportation Institute, you will spend two weeks exploring how transportation systems connect people and goods. You will learn through hands-on lab activities, field trips, and conversations with industry experts. You may design and build a model bridge, visit transportation facilities across the Twin Cities, and see how airports, transit systems, construction sites, and maintenance operations work. The program also includes a tour of the University of Minnesota campus, giving you a glimpse of college life. Through this free summer camp for middle school students, you will work with transportation professionals and gain exposure to engineering, technology, and transportation careers.
4. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program is a selective online research experience for middle school students, designed to build advanced academic writing and research skills. You begin by selecting a subject area, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and are matched with a PhD-level mentor from a top university. Over the course of the program, you receive a structured introduction to your chosen field, then design and carry out an independent research project focused on a real-world question. To strengthen your writing and analytical abilities, you conclude the program by producing a formal research paper that presents your findings.
5. Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp at USC
Location: University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 32 students
Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Middle school; currently enrolled in grades 5-7 (rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders)
At the Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp at USC, you will spend two weeks exploring several engineering fields through practical activities and team-based challenges. You will build rockets, work with circuits, design bridges, and experiment with robots while learning how engineers solve real problems. You will also explore computer science by coding and creating apps. The camp introduces aerospace, civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering in an accessible way. Throughout the program, you will learn from USC’s K–12 STEM Center team and engage in hands-on projects that strengthen creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
6. BEAM Discovery
Location: New York City, NY, and Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes activities, field trips, transportation, and weekday breakfast and lunch); none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 24 (Los Angeles), July 6 – August 7 (New York)
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: 6th graders who think they might like math, like solving puzzles, and want to see what else is out there, and stay in either Los Angeles or New York City
Over five weeks at BEAM Discovery, you will engage with challenging math problems and develop new ways of thinking. You will participate in classes covering logic, math fundamentals, math team strategies, and applied math, while working through puzzles and collaborative activities. In this free summer camp for middle school students, college students studying mathematics and engineering serve as counselors and teaching assistants, while teachers and professors lead classes. Beyond academics, you will join games, sports, arts and crafts, and field trips that help you build friendships and community. You will also participate in Open Math Time, where you choose what to explore.
7. STEM Summer Camp Experience
Location: Jefferson East Falls Campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: August 3 – 20
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students between 6th and 9th grade in the Greater Philadelphia Area
The STEM Summer Camp Experience offers participants the opportunity to learn how engineers apply math, science, and technology to enhance everyday life. Through hands-on experiments, attendees explore topics such as data analytics, 3D printing, logical programming, logistics, and engineering design. Projects may include analyzing data from Philadelphia sports teams, creating parts with SolidWorks and 3D printers, planning a supply chain, and writing code to calculate player statistics. Throughout the camp, participants develop problem-solving and technical skills by applying classroom concepts to real-world situations.
8. Summer Physics Camp
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Cost/Stipend: Free; $350 stipend upon successful completion
Cohort Size: Limited slots
Dates: June 9 – 19
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Must be a student living in New Mexico, New Mexico Tribal Communities, or East Hawai‘i Island; must have completed Algebra I or a higher-level math course
At the Summer Physics Camp, you will explore STEM through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and interactive projects. This free summer camp for middle school students introduces concepts ranging from electricity and gravitational waves to bioengineering and computer programming. You will learn alongside scientists and engineers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories while working on real-world challenges. The camp also includes lectures, professional development sessions, and opportunities to learn about careers in science and engineering. Beyond technical topics, you will build practical skills such as résumé writing, job applications, and interviewing while exploring future educational and career pathways.
9. AFA CyberCamp
Location: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, OH
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 35 students for each camp
Dates: July 13 – 17 (standard camp) & July 20 – 24 (advanced camp)
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7-12
Through this free summer camp for middle school students, you will learn cybersecurity through hands-on activities that mirror real digital defense challenges. You will practice protecting personal devices, securing computer networks, and working with Windows and Ubuntu operating systems. Throughout the camp, you will build practical skills in cyber safety, problem-solving, and teamwork while exploring STEM career pathways. Experienced instructors will guide you through interactive lessons and exercises designed for students who are new to cybersecurity. The experience concludes with a team competition that simulates situations faced by cybersecurity professionals.
10. Action for Conservation Summer Camps
Location: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Peak District National Park, and South Downs National Park, England and Wales
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 27 – 31, August 3 – 7, August 17 – 21
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Young people aged 12–16 living in England or Wales
At the Action for Conservation Summer Camps, you will spend five days exploring nature while learning about environmental issues and practical solutions. You will take part in conservation activities, outdoor adventures, and discussions on environmental justice alongside students from across England and Wales. Young environmental professionals, AFC staff, and partner organizations will guide the experience and share career advice. Through this free summer camp for middle school students, you will build knowledge of the environment, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Activities may include nature exploration and stargazing, while the residential setting helps you form new friendships.
11. College and Career Lab
Location: New York University, Washington Square Campus, New York City, NY
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Middle school students in 7th or 8th grade attending New York City public schools
Through NYU's College and Career Lab Exploratory Stage, you will spend four weeks exploring college-level subjects and possible career paths. You will attend classes and workshops led by university faculty while interacting with students, alumni, advisors, and industry professionals. The program encourages you to sample different fields, from academic disciplines to professional careers, helping you understand where your interests may fit. Along the way, you will build practical skills such as self-advocacy, networking, and identity development. Mentorship and advising are built into the experience, and continued Practice Lab sessions during the school year help you apply and strengthen what you learn over the summer.
12. State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Monday through Friday (10 am – 2 pm) in July
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: New York State residents in grades 7-12 who are economically disadvantaged or from underrepresented backgrounds
At Columbia University’s State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP), you will build a stronger foundation in science, math, and health-related fields while preparing for college. The free summer camp for middle school students offers enrichment courses such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and Statistics. You can also take PSAT or SAT preparation classes and join college readiness and career development workshops. Beyond the classroom, you will receive academic counseling and take part in field trips and college tours. Students accepted into S-PREP may also become eligible to apply for specialized summer research opportunities offered through Columbia’s research institutes.
13. Summer Academies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Location: Multiple colleges and universities across Oklahoma
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by academy
Application Deadline: Varies by academy
Eligibility: Rising 8th-12th graders
Through Oklahoma’s Summer Academies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, you will spend part of your summer on a college campus exploring STEM fields. Programs cover subjects such as robotics, drones, renewable energy, engineering, environmental conservation, and other emerging areas. Depending on the academy, you may attend as a residential or commuter student while experiencing college life firsthand. Activities focus on applying concepts through projects, experiments, and technology-based learning. You will work alongside college faculty and instructors, build problem-solving skills, and learn about STEM careers. With 16 academies offered statewide, you can explore fields that match your interests.
14. Physics Inside Out
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current grades 7 and 8
This free summer camp for middle school students offers a five-day exploration of physics and its connections to everyday life. Through interactive experiments, participants will examine subjects like magnetism, light, astronomy, and nanotechnology. Faculty members, researchers, and graduate students lead activities, sharing their career paths in science. Students will use research tools, analyze data, and engage in lab-style investigations. The program also provides an introduction to college life with campus experiences and visits to Purdue facilities. Throughout, participants will learn how scientists pose questions, test hypotheses, and transform observations into discoveries across various physics disciplines.
15. Kode With Klossy
Location: Virtual worldwide, with select in-person camps in cities including Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Oakland, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, London, and New York
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 12, July 6 – 17, July 20 – 31, August 3 – 14
Application Deadline: Beginning of August
Eligibility: Designed for students of traditionally underrepresented genders in the STEM fields; young women and gender expansive teens, aged 13-18
At the Kode With Klossy summer camp, you will spend two weeks learning computer science through coding projects and collaborative activities. You will join a community of young women and gender-expansive students who share an interest in technology and creativity. Depending on placement, you may study topics such as web development, artificial intelligence, or machine learning. Licensed educators and instructor assistants will guide this free summer camp for middle school students, while guest speakers from the tech industry share their experiences. You will build practical coding skills, work with peers, and explore how technology can solve real problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all 15 of these summer camps really free?
Yes. All 15 camps listed, including dynaMIT, BEAM Discovery, AFA CyberCamp, and the Junior Innovator Program, are free to participate in, though a few offer optional stipends or need-based aid for costs like housing.
2. Which camps are open to students regardless of where they live?
The Junior Innovator Program and Kode With Klossy's virtual track are both open nationally, while most other camps on this list are restricted to specific states or regions, such as Massachusetts, New Mexico, or New York.
3. Is there a camp focused on entrepreneurship rather than a single STEM subject?
Yes. The Junior Innovator Program is built around developing a real project that solves a problem you care about, with one-on-one mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey, rather than a fixed academic curriculum.