15 Summer Courses for Middle School Students
Summer courses can be a valuable first step if you want to explore future careers while still in middle school.
What do summer courses for middle schoolers involve?
Most programs include hands-on projects, problem-solving activities, and mentorship from instructors or industry professionals. This practical experience can help you understand different career paths while strengthening skills you can use in your own projects and future ventures.
Why pursue a summer course in middle school?
Summer courses will also add depth to your academic profile, demonstrate initiative on college applications, and help you build valuable connections with peers and mentors. Some programs even offer stipends or other forms of compensation, allowing you to gain experience while earning a reward for your time and effort.
For related opportunities, check out our guides on business programs for middle school students and business ideas for middle school students.
Quick Look
1 entrepreneurship-focused, fully virtual option: the Junior Innovator Program, which pairs you with one-on-one mentorship as you build a real project. YFL's Young Founders Lab offers a similar hands-on model for high school-aged students looking ahead.
5 free programs: MIT dynaMIT, Manchester Tech Camp, Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp, YOLA National Festival, and Summer Physics Camp.
Costs range from $75 to $1,895, with need-based aid available at Georgetown's Becoming an Entrepreneur course and Summer Physics Camp.
2 residency-restricted programs: Manchester Tech Camp (Manchester, NH students prioritized) and Summer Physics Camp (New Mexico or East Hawai'i residents only).
1 girls-only camp: the Wolfram Middle School Summer Camp, open to students who identify as girls ages 11-14.
15 Summer Courses for Middle School Students
1. Georgetown Business
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,895 (Need-based scholarships available); none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Various 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week sessions from July 5th to August 30th
Application Deadline: June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2 & August 9
Eligibility: For students ages 13 and up
In Georgetown University's Becoming an Entrepreneur course, you will learn what it takes to turn an idea into a product or service. You will identify target customers, develop a product story, create a business pitch, and practice leadership skills that help teams test and refine ideas. The course includes video lessons, multimedia activities, simulations, and guided assignments, with support from mentors throughout the experience. As you progress in this summer course for middle school students, you will receive brainstorming and ideation support while working toward a Final Capstone Project.
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
Program 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 where you develop a real 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. iD Tech Summer Camps
Location: 75+ locations across the USA
Cost/Stipend: Applies; none
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Various camps from May 24 to August 14
Application Deadline: Various for different university camps
Eligibility: Students in the age group 7–17
At iD Tech Summer Camps, you will learn through hands-on projects in coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, game development, app creation, and other technology fields. You will work alongside peers in small groups and spend about five hours each day building technical skills and completing project-based activities. Summer courses for middle school students are taught by instructors with backgrounds in universities and industry, who will guide you throughout the week. Depending on the program, you can earn a certificate and create work for your portfolio. Beyond classroom learning, you explore campus life, collaborate with other students, participate in camp activities, and develop problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills.
4. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Program dates: Eight weeks | Timing varies by 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. MIT dynaMIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Week 1: August 17th to August 21st (for rising 6th/7th graders); Week 2: August 24th to August 28th (for rising 8th/9th graders)
Application Deadline: Opens in the spring
Eligibility: Massachusetts middle school students, rising 6th-9th grade
At MIT dynaMIT, you will take part in a week-long STEM program built around experiments, activities, and hands-on learning. You will work closely with MIT undergraduate and graduate student mentors who will guide you through science and engineering challenges. Throughout this summer course for middle school students, you will explore different STEM fields, participate in interactive projects, and learn by doing rather than simply listening to lectures. The program is entirely student-run, with MIT students designing the curriculum and activities. A key feature is the close mentorship you will receive from MIT students, creating an engaging environment where you can ask questions, build confidence, and explore new interests in STEM.
6. Manchester Tech Camp
Location: University of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH
Cost/Stipend: Free; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Week 1: August 3–14; Week 2: August 10 – August 14
Application Deadline: May 15; Students from outside Manchester can apply to the camp but will be placed on a waiting list until May 15, and will be accepted on a space-available basis thereafter
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-12 who are currently attending a school in Manchester
Through this summer course for middle school students, you will take part in hands-on STEAM activities that focus on problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. Depending on the session, you may investigate a mock crime scene using forensic science techniques, build models of human body systems, create and train AI models with real experimental data, or design and 3D-print a microscope attachment for your phone. You will work in advanced university facilities and learn from faculty and program instructors. Activities are collaborative and open to all experience levels.
7. Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp at USC
Location: University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, California
Cost/Stipend: Free; none
Cohort Size: 32 students
Dates: July 13 to July 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 how engineers solve real-world problems. You will take part in hands-on activities involving rockets, bridges, circuits, and robots while learning about aerospace, civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering. You will also build computer science skills by learning to code and create apps. Throughout the camp, you will work through practical challenges rather than only listening to lectures. The experience helps you strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills. With a small cohort and full-time participation, you will gain focused exposure to several engineering fields in an active campus setting.
8. Young Scholars Program (YSP) at the University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Applies. Scholarships are available for eligible students; none
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 29 - July 24
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Chicago area students, surrounding suburbs, and Northwest Indiana who will be in grades 7-12 next school year
Through the summer course for middle school students, you will spend four weeks exploring mathematics beyond a typical school curriculum. You will attend faculty-led classes, work through challenging problems, and join small-group sessions guided by undergraduate mathematics majors. The program focuses on number theory, helping you build logical reasoning and analytical thinking skills. You will take an active role in solving problems rather than simply following lessons. If you are in the grades 7–8 cohort, you also participate in computer lab research activities related to course topics. The program brings together motivated students who enjoy mathematics and offers a structured environment focused on inquiry, discussion, and sustained intellectual effort.
9. Data Science Summer Camp
Location: Pomerene Hall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: $275; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 6-10
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students in rising grades 7, 8, and 9
At the Data Science Summer Camp, you will spend five days exploring how data is collected, analyzed, and used to answer real-world questions. You will work in small teams alongside mentors to strengthen your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the week, you will learn from scientists, researchers, and students working across the data science field. Hands-on activities will give you experience with data analysis while helping you understand how data connects to areas such as health care, business, education, and public services. You will also explore college and career pathways in data science and have opportunities to ask questions and learn from current students.
10. Middle School: Entrepreneurship for Young Innovators
Location: Wangenheim Middle School, San Diego, California
Cost/Stipend: $495; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 - July 17
Application Deadline: June 29
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8)
In this week-long entrepreneurship course, you will take an idea and develop it into a mini-business. You will learn how to refine business concepts, create a business plan, and understand the role of marketing, customer research, budgeting, and financial planning. Through hands-on activities, you will apply these concepts to your own project while working with other students. The course encourages creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking as you move from idea development to execution. By the end of the summer course for middle school students, you will have a completed project to showcase, giving you practical experience with the steps entrepreneurs use when building and planning a business.
11. Summer Physics Camp
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; students who complete the program receive a $350 stipend
Cohort Size: Limited
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 Summer Physics Camp, you will explore STEM through hands-on projects, demonstrations, lectures, and interactive activities. You will work alongside scientists and engineers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories while learning about physics, engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, computer programming, and cybersecurity. This summer course for middle school students introduces concepts such as electricity, gravitational waves, quantum science, and microscopic biological systems. You will also build professional skills by learning how to write a résumé and prepare for interviews. The program includes career exploration, exposure to national laboratories, and opportunities to join the SAGE Journey program after completion.
12. Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) National Festival
Location: LA Phil, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; none
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: August 3—11
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 12 and 18
In the YOLA National Festival, you will join young musicians from across the United States for a week of orchestral rehearsals, workshops, and performances. You will work closely with professional artists, conductors, and teaching musicians while preparing concert repertoire in a collaborative setting. The festival combines music-making with leadership development and community building. Throughout the week, you will rehearse as part of a large orchestra, strengthen ensemble skills, and learn from experienced mentors. You will also take part in performances that showcase your work. A defining feature of the festival is the opportunity to connect with peers from El Sistema-inspired programs nationwide and create music together.
13. Model United Nations Institute
Location: Both in-person and online sessions are available across universities in the USA
Cost/Stipend: Applies; None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions offered from June through August
Application Deadline: Not specified; enrollment remains open until sessions fill
Eligibility: Kids & teens in the age group 9-18
At the Model United Nations Institute, you will step into the role of a global leader and represent countries as you debate international issues. Through daily simulations, you will practice public speaking, negotiation, diplomacy, and problem-solving. You will work with experienced MUN mentors and collaborate with students who share an interest in world affairs. Activities include committee sessions, leadership exercises, trivia challenges, and campus experiences at major universities. You will learn how to build arguments, communicate ideas clearly, and work toward solutions with others. The program also includes a final simulation where you apply your skills in a realistic Model United Nations setting.
14. Summer Coding Camp for Kids & Teens
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $75; None
Cohort Size: Small group classes
Dates: Multiple summer batches available; schedules vary by course
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment while seats remain available
Eligibility: Kids in the age group 7-17 years
In this summer course for middle school students, you will learn to code through live online classes and project-based activities. You can choose from topics such as app development, game design, artificial intelligence, robotics, website creation, Python, and data science. As you progress, you will build real projects that help you apply new concepts in practical ways. Instructors will guide you through each stage, providing feedback and support during classes. The camp encourages creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving while helping you become comfortable with technology tools.
15. Wolfram Middle School Summer Camp
Location: Virtual/Remote
Cost/Stipend: $500 (Need-based financial aid is available); none
Cohort Size: 20 students
Dates: July 26–31
Application Deadline: July 6 (waitlist will remain open until July 22)
Eligibility: Middle-school students who identify as girls in the age group 11–14
At the Wolfram Middle School Summer Camp, you will learn programming, computational thinking, and problem-solving through a week of interactive workshops. You will work with Wolfram instructors on coding exercises, challenges, and mini-projects using Wolfram Language. The program includes hands-on activities in areas such as data science, machine learning, computational art, and music. You will also collaborate with peers, attend panel discussions, and join Q&A sessions with Stephen Wolfram and Wolfram professionals. Alongside academic activities, you can take part in social events and live coding challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free summer courses for middle school students?
Yes. MIT dynaMIT, Manchester Tech Camp, Northrop Grumman Summer Engineering Camp at USC, and Summer Physics Camp are all free, though Summer Physics Camp is limited to specific regions.
2. Is there a course focused on entrepreneurship rather than a single academic subject?
Yes. Georgetown's Becoming an Entrepreneur course and the Junior Innovator Program both focus specifically on business fundamentals and venture-building. The Junior Innovator Program pairs you with one-on-one mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey, similar in spirit to what Young Founders Lab offers older students once they reach high school.
3. Which courses are open to students regardless of where they live?
Becoming an Entrepreneur, the Junior Innovator Program, and Summer Coding Camp for Kids & Teens are all fully online and open nationally, unlike several other programs on this list that are tied to specific states or regions.